Thievishly: meaning, definitions and examples
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thievishly
[ˈθiːvɪʃli ]
Definition
Context #1 | Adverb
descriptive behavior
Thievishly describes an action or behavior that is characteristic of a thief; it suggests sneaky, stealthy, or dishonest behavior typical of someone who engages in theft. It conveys a sense of trickery or deceit that involves taking something that does not belong to one.
Synonyms
deceptively, furtively, sneakily.
Examples of usage
- He moved thievishly through the shadows.
- She thievishly pocketed the candy without anyone noticing.
- The cat thievishly snatched the fish from the counter.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'thievishly' comes from 'thief,' which has Old English roots, 'þēof', indicating a person who steals.
- The suffix '-ishly' is often used to form adverbs that describe how actions are performed, adding a sneaky connotation to the base word.
- Historically, terms associated with theft have often been influenced by the social perceptions of crime and morality.
Literature
- In classic literature, characters who acted thievishly often represent moral ambiguities and the complexity of human values.
- Shakespeare frequently utilized characters who exhibited thievish behavior to explore themes of ambition and desire.
- Contemporary novels often depict thievishly inclined characters as antiheroes, highlighting their conflicting motives.
Psychology
- Studies show that individuals may justify thievish acts through cognitive dissonance, where they alter their beliefs to alleviate guilt.
- People's perception of theft can vary based on the context—stealing for survival is often viewed differently than stealing for greed.
- Emotions such as shame or thrill can influence the likelihood of thievish behaviors, shaping an individual's choices.
Pop Culture
- Movies and TV shows often glamorize thievishly clever characters, like cat burglars, making them intriguing and complex.
- Popular video games feature thievish protagonists who navigate challenges to achieve their goals, often highlighting strategy and skill.
- Cartoon villains are frequently depicted as thievishly cunning, using humor and trickery to engage audiences and create conflict.
History
- Throughout history, social classes and economic disparity have influenced perceptions of theft, with some thieves romanticized as 'Robin Hood' figures.
- In medieval societies, thievishly behavior could sometimes gain respect if it targeted the wealthy or corrupt, reflecting societal unrest.
- Ancient laws often categorized thievishly actions differently based on the status of the criminal and the victim, revealing cultural values attached to property.