Thievish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฆนโโ๏ธ
thievish
[หฮธiหvษชส ]
Definition
character trait
Thievish refers to a disposition or behavior that is characterized by stealing or theft. It describes someone who has a propensity to take what does not belong to them, often in a sly or stealthy manner.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- His thievish nature made it hard to trust him.
- The thievish boy was caught stealing candy from the store.
- Thievish actions can lead to serious consequences.
- She had a thievish grin as she pocketed the money.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural References
- In literature, characters often depicted as thievish, like Robin Hood, blur the line between hero and rogue.
- Films like 'Oliver Twist' portray thievish characters that highlight social injustices and the reasons behind stealing.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that individuals who exhibit thievish behavior may possess traits like low self-esteem or feelings of inadequacy.
- Social environments significantly influence thievish behavior; individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds may resort to theft as a survival tool.
Famous Thieves
- D.B. Cooper, who hijacked a plane in 1971 and vanished with a fortune, remains an infamous figure due to his audacious thievish act.
- The Great Train Robbery in 1963 involved a gang that stole millions in cash, demonstrating organized thievish tactics.
Legal Perspectives
- Laws against thievish activities vary significantly around the world, with some cultures offering rehabilitation over punishment.
- The legal term 'theft' encompasses various forms of stealing, including shoplifting and burglary, all considered thievish behavior.
Origin of 'thievish'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from 'thief' and adds the '-ish' suffix, which means 'like' or 'having the qualities of.'
- The Old English word for thief is 'รพฤof,' showing that the concept of stealing has been around for many centuries.
The word 'thievish' comes from the Old English term 'รพฤof' meaning 'thief', which has its roots in the Proto-Germanic '*รพiufaz'. Over the centuries, the term evolved in usage to describe not just the act of stealing but also the characteristics associated with such behavior. It suggests a more cunning or crafty type of theft, often implying a degree of cleverness or slyness in the act. The evolution of the term reflects societal attitudes towards thieves, as it attempts to encapsulate not only the act of thievery but the inherent qualities that define a person who engages in such acts. By the Middle Ages, 'thievish' was used more frequently in literature to characterize characters that embodied these traits, showing the word's long-standing place in the exploration of morality and ethics in human behavior.