pilfer

IPA/ˈpɪlfə(r)/
KK[pˈɪlfɚ]IPA/ˈpɪlfər/

pilfer — verb

  • pilferpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • pilfershe / she / it
  • pilferedpast simple
  • pilfering-ing form

1. to take small, low-cost things that belong to someone else, often in small amoun

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to take small, low-cost things that belong to someone else, often in small amounts over time and without being seen, especially from your workplace or somewhere you go regularly

例句

Haruto was caught on camera pilfering snacks from the office kitchen.

passive: 'caught [verb]-ing' for discovery of wrongdoing

Selim would pilfer coins from his younger brother's money box for bus fare.

habitual 'would' for repeated action

同義詞
  • steal

    general term for taking without permission; no restriction on size or value

  • filch

    informal; suggests taking something small quickly and secretly

  • swipe

    informal; implies a quick, casual theft of something within easy reach

  • nick

    British informal, slang; similar range to pilfer but more playful in tone

反義詞
  • give

    to offer something freely, the opposite of taking

  • donate

    to give something for a good cause, opposite of stealing

文法句型

pilfer + [small items] + from + [place]

用法筆記

Frequently describes repeated, casual theft over time rather than a single planned act. The stolen objects are typically small and of little monetary value, so the thief may try to justify the behaviour as harmless.

常見錯誤

❌He pilfered a motorcycle from the garage.
✅He stole a motorcycle from the garage.
💡pilfer only works for small, low-value items, not large or expensive ones.
❌She pilfered a famous painting from the museum.
✅She stole a famous painting from the museum.
💡a masterpiece is too valuable and notable to be described by pilfer.