Theif vs. Thief — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on September 18, 2023

"Theif" is an incorrect spelling. "Thief" is the correct spelling, denoting someone who steals, typically without violence.

Which is correct: Theif or Thief

How to spell Thief?

Theif

Incorrect Spelling

Thief

Correct Spelling

Difference Between Theif and Thief

Table of Contents

➝ Key Differences ➝ Definitions ➝ FAQs

Key Differences

Associate "thief" with "belief" – both end in "-ief."

Sep 18, 2023

Think: A thief believes he won't get caught, both have "ie."

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Link "thief" to the phrase "sneak thief" for the same spelling pattern.

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Remember the rule, "i before e, except after c."

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Visualize a thief stealing an "ie" gem, not an "ei" one.

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Definitions

Theif➦

Theif is an incorrect spelling of thief.

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Thief➦

A person who steals, especially secretly.

The thief snatched her purse.

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Thief➦

Someone who takes another's property without permission.

The museum was guarded to deter any potential thief.

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Thief➦

A person who commits theft or larceny.

The thief was caught on surveillance camera.

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Thief➦

An individual engaged in stealing, typically without using force.

A pickpocket is a skilled thief.

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Thief➦

Someone who illicitly takes possessions of another.

The thief slipped away into the night.

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Thief➦

One who commits the act or crime of theft.

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Thief➦

One who carries out a theft.

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Thief➦

One who steals another person's property, especially by stealth and without using force or violence.

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Thief➦

(obsolete) A waster in the snuff of a candle.

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Thief➦

One who steals; one who commits theft or larceny. See Theft.

There came a privy thief, men clepeth death.

Where thieves break through and steal.

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Thief➦

A waster in the snuff of a candle.

Take heed, have open eye, for thieves do foot by night.

Some roving robber calling to his fellows.

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Thief➦

A criminal who takes property belonging to someone else with the intention of keeping it or selling it

Jan 29, 2023

FAQs

What is the root word of thief?

The root word is Old English "thēof."

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Which vowel is used before thief?

The vowel "i" is used before the "f" in "thief."

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What is the singular form of thief?

The singular form is "thief."

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Which preposition is used with thief?

Various prepositions can be used, but "of" is common as in "thief of time."

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What is the pronunciation of thief?

It's pronounced as /θiːf/.

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What is the plural form of thief?

The plural form is "thieves."

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Which conjunction is used with thief?

There's no specific conjunction exclusively used with "thief."

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Which article is used with thief?

Both definite ("the") and indefinite ("a" or "an") articles can be used with "thief."

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Is thief an abstract noun?

No, "thief" is a concrete noun.

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Why is it called thief?

The word "thief" comes from Old English "thēof" meaning a robber or bandit.

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What is the verb form of thief?

The verb form related to "thief" is "thieve."

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Is thief an adverb?

No, "thief" is not an adverb.

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Is thief a countable noun?

Yes, "thief" is countable, e.g., "There were three thieves."

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What is the opposite of thief?

There isn't a direct opposite, but "guardian" or "protector" contrasts in context.

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Which determiner is used with thief?

Determiners like "this" or "that" can be used, e.g., "this thief" or "that thief."

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What part of speech is thief?

"Thief" is a noun.

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What is the third form of thief?

"Thief" doesn't have verb forms.

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Is thief a negative or positive word?

It's generally negative, denoting someone committing a crime.

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Is thief a vowel or consonant?

"Thief" is a word containing both vowels and consonants.

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Is thief a collective noun?

No, "thief" is not a collective noun.

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How do we divide thief into syllables?

"Thief" is a one-syllable word and isn't divided further.

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What is the first form of thief?

"Thief" is a noun and doesn't have verb forms.

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Is the thief term a metaphor?

Not inherently, but it can be used metaphorically, e.g., "Time is a thief."

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How many syllables are in thief?

There is one syllable in "thief."

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What is a stressed syllable in thief?

The entire word "thief" is stressed as it's one syllable.

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What is another term for thief?

A synonym for "thief" is "robber."

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How is thief used in a sentence?

Example: The thief was caught red-handed stealing from the store.

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Is thief a noun or adjective?

"Thief" is a noun.

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Is the word thief imperative?

No, "thief" is not an imperative verb form.

Sep 18, 2023

What is the second form of thief?

"Thief" doesn't have verb forms.

Sep 18, 2023

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Fiza Rafique is a skilled content editor at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.

Edited by

Tayyaba 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.