stealing
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈstiːlɪŋ/
KK: /ˈstiliŋ/
noun
Definition
The act of taking something that does not belong to you without permission.
Example
The stealing of the car was reported to the police.
Conversation
Did you hear about that recent case of stealing downtown?
Yeah, it’s crazy how often that happens these days.
I can't believe people resort to stealing instead of finding a job.
I know, right? It just shows how desperate things can get.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
theft
larceny
robbery
Antonyms
donation
gift
return
verb
Definition
The action of taking something that does not belong to you without permission.
Example
He was caught stealing money from the store.
Tense Forms
Past: stole
Past Participle: stolen
Conversation
Did you hear about that guy getting caught for stealing bikes around the neighborhood?
Yeah, it's crazy! I can’t believe people would actually do that.
I know, right? It’s so frustrating to think about stealing from others.
Root Explanation
Stealing → The word 'stealing' originates from Old English 'stelan', meaning to take or to carry away. It refers to the act of taking something that does not belong to one.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old English word 'stelan' which means to 'take away' — that's why stealing means taking something that isn't yours.
Visually Confused Words
staling
sealing
streamling
instealing
teatling
sterling
stelling
steeling