Steal vs. Kife — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 8, 2024
"Steal" is a standard term meaning to take someone else's property without permission or legal right, while "kife" (or "kipe") is slang for stealing, often used informally or colloquially.
Difference Between Steal and Kife
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Key Differences
"Steal" is a verb in standard English, defined as taking another person’s property without permission and with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. It encompasses a broad range of illegal activities, from shoplifting to embezzlement. On the other hand, "kife" is a slang term that also means to steal, but it's used in more casual contexts and may not carry the same legal connotations. The term "kife" is less formal and is often found in spoken language or informal writing.
While "steal" is universally recognized and used in both legal and everyday language, "kife" might not be understood in all English-speaking communities. This difference highlights the importance of context when choosing between these words. "Steal" can be used in any context, from legal discussions to everyday conversations, whereas "kife" is more appropriate for casual conversations among speakers familiar with the slang.
The origin of "steal" can be traced back to Old English "stelan," with a history in the language that reflects its formal status. In contrast, "kife" has murkier origins, likely emerging from regional dialects or subcultures within English-speaking communities. This difference in origin underscores "steal"'s place in standard English, while "kife" remains part of the language's evolving slang.
Choosing between "steal" and "kife" depends on the speaker's intent, the context of the conversation, and the audience's familiarity with slang. Using "steal" is always safe and understood, while "kife" can add color or informality to speech but risks being misunderstood by those not familiar with the term.
Comparison Chart
Definition
To take property without permission with intent to keep it permanently
Slang for stealing, implying a less formal context
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Usage Context
Legal, formal, and informal settings
Informal or colloquial settings
Recognition
Universally recognized and understood
Recognized in certain English-speaking communities or subcultures
Origins
Old English "stelan," with a long history in the language
Uncertain origins, likely from regional dialects or subcultures
Appropriateness
Appropriate in any context where theft is discussed
Best used among audiences familiar with the slang or in casual conversations
Compare with Definitions
Steal
To move stealthily.
The cat managed to steal into the room unnoticed.
Kife
Slang for stealing.
Someone kifed my bike last night.
Steal
To take without permission.
It's illegal to steal someone's personal belongings.
Kife
Casual theft.
He managed to kife some snacks from the party.
Steal
Taking ideas.
She was accused of trying to steal her competitor's business strategy.
Kife
Light-hearted theft.
They kifed the sign as a prank.
Steal
In sports, to take advantage.
He managed to steal the ball from his opponent.
Kife
To take without asking.
He's known to kife pens from the office.
Steal
Act of theft.
The museum experienced a steal that resulted in the loss of priceless art.
Kife
Informal borrowing.
Can I kife a dollar for the vending machine?
Steal
Take (another person's property) without permission or legal right and without intending to return it
She was found guilty of stealing from her employers
Thieves stole her bicycle
Stolen goods
Kife
(slang) To steal.
Steal
Move somewhere quietly or surreptitiously
A delicious languor was stealing over her
He stole down to the kitchen
She disobeyed a court order and stole away with the children
Steal
A bargain
At £59.95 it's an absolute steal
Steal
An act of stealing something
New York's biggest art steal
Steal
To take (the property of another) without right or permission.
Steal
To present or use (someone else's words or ideas) as one's own.
Steal
To get or take secretly or artfully
Steal a look at a diary.
Steal the puck from an opponent.
Steal
To draw attention unexpectedly in (an entertainment), especially by being the outstanding performer
The magician's assistant stole the show with her comic antics.
Steal
(Baseball) To advance safely to (another base) during the delivery of a pitch, without the aid of a base hit, walk, passed ball, or wild pitch.
Steal
To steal another's property.
Steal
(Baseball) To steal a base.
Steal
The act of stealing.
Steal
(Slang) A bargain.
Steal
(Baseball) A stolen base.
Steal
(Basketball) An act of gaining possession of the ball from an opponent.
Steal
(transitive) To take illegally, or without the owner's permission, something owned by someone else without intending to return it.
Three irreplaceable paintings were stolen from the gallery.
Steal
To appropriate without giving credit or acknowledgement.
They stole my idea for a biodegradable, disposable garbage de-odorizer.
Steal
(transitive) To get or effect surreptitiously or artfully.
He stole glances at the pretty woman across the street.
Steal
To acquire at a low price.
He stole the car for two thousand less than its book value.
Steal
(transitive) To draw attention unexpectedly in (an entertainment), especially by being the outstanding performer. Usually used in the phrase steal the show.
Steal
(intransitive) To move silently or secretly.
He stole across the room, trying not to wake her.
Steal
(transitive) To convey (something) clandestinely.
Steal
To withdraw or convey (oneself) clandestinely.
Steal
To advance safely to (another base) during the delivery of a pitch, without the aid of a hit, walk, passed ball, wild pitch, or defensive indifference.
Steal
To dispossess
Steal
To borrow for a short moment.
Can I steal your pen?
Steal
Take, plagiarize, tell on a joke, use a well-worded expression in one's own parlance or writing
Steal
The act of stealing.
Steal
(slang) A piece of merchandise available at a very low, attractive price.
At this price, this car is a steal.
Steal
A situation in which a defensive player actively takes possession of the ball or puck from the opponent's team.
Steal
(baseball) A stolen base.
Steal
(curling) Scoring in an end without the hammer.
Steal
(computing) A policy in database systems that a database follows which allows a transaction to be written on nonvolatile storage before its commit occurs.
Steal
A handle; a stale, or stele.
And in his hand a huge poleax did bear.Whose steale was iron-studded but not long.
Steal
To take, and carry away, feloniously; to take without right or leave, and with intent to keep wrongfully; as, to steal the personal goods of another.
Maugre thy heed, thou must for indigenceOr steal, or beg, or borrow, thy dispense.
The man who stole a goose and gave away the giblets in alms.
Steal
To withdraw or convey clandestinely (reflexive); hence, to creep furtively, or to insinuate.
They could insinuate and steal themselves under the same by their humble carriage and submission.
He will steal himself into a man's favor.
Steal
To gain by insinuating arts or covert means.
So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.
Steal
To get into one's power gradually and by imperceptible degrees; to take possession of by a gradual and imperceptible appropriation; - with away.
Variety of objects has a tendency to steal away the mind from its steady pursuit of any subject.
Steal
To accomplish in a concealed or unobserved manner; to try to carry out secretly; as, to steal a look.
Always, when thou changest thine opinion or course, profess it plainly, . . . and do not think to steal it.
She yesterday wanted to steal a march of poor Liddy.
Fifty thousand men can not easily steal a march over the sea.
Steal
To practice, or be guilty of, theft; to commit larceny or theft.
Thou shalt not steal.
Steal
To withdraw, or pass privily; to slip in, along, or away, unperceived; to go or come furtively.
Fixed of mind to avoid further entreaty, and to fly all company, one night she stole away.
From whom you now must steal, and take no leave.
A soft and solemn breathing soundRose like a steam of rich, distilled perfumes,And stole upon the air.
Steal
An advantageous purchase;
She got a bargain at the auction
The stock was a real buy at that price
Steal
A stolen base; an instance in which a base runner advances safely during the delivery of a pitch (without the help of a hit or walk or passed ball or wild pitch)
Steal
Take without the owner's consent;
Someone stole my wallet on the train
This author stole entire paragraphs from my dissertation
Steal
Move stealthily;
The ship slipped away in the darkness
Steal
Steal a base
Steal
To go stealthily or furtively;
..stead of sneaking around spying on the neighbor's house
Common Curiosities
Is "kife" understood in all English-speaking regions?
No, "kife" may not be understood outside of certain communities or regions familiar with the slang.
What does it mean to steal?
To steal means to take someone else’s property without their permission and with the intent to keep it permanently.
Is it correct to use "kife" in formal writing?
No, "kife" is considered slang and is not appropriate for formal writing or situations.
What does "kife" mean?
"Kife" is slang for stealing, often used in informal or casual contexts.
Can "steal" be used in any context?
Yes, "steal" can be used in any context, from legal discussions to casual conversations about theft.
Where does "kife" come from?
The origins of "kife" are less clear, likely emerging from regional dialects or specific subcultures within English-speaking communities.
Are "steal" and "kife" interchangeable?
While they can be synonymous in meaning, their usage depends on the formality of the context and the speaker's audience.
What is the origin of "steal"?
The verb "steal" originates from Old English "stelan," reflecting its long-standing presence in the English language.
How do I use "steal" in a sentence?
"It's important to understand the consequences if you choose to steal."
Does using "kife" in conversation imply a more casual attitude towards theft?
Yes, using "kife" can imply a more casual or less serious attitude towards the act of stealing.
Is it acceptable to use "kife" in academic writing?
No, "kife" is considered informal slang and should be avoided in academic writing.
How does the choice between "steal" and "kife" affect the tone of my communication?
Using "steal" conveys a more serious or formal tone, while "kife" introduces a casual or informal tone to the conversation.
How do I use "kife" in a sentence?
"I can't believe he managed to kife some extra chips without anyone noticing."
Should I avoid using "kife" with people who may not be familiar with the term?
Yes, it's best to use "steal" in situations where it's unclear if the audience will understand slang terms like "kife."
Can the term "steal" refer to actions beyond physical theft?
Yes, "steal" can also refer to taking ideas, opportunities, or moments, extending beyond just physical objects.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
