How Do You Spell PILFER?

Pronunciation: [pˈɪlfə] (IPA)

The word "pilfer" is spelled with six letters - p-i-l-f-e-r. This word is pronounced /ˈpɪlfər/, with the primary stress on the first syllable. "Pilfer" means to steal something, typically things of relatively little value. It is derived from the Old French word "pelfrer", which means to plunder. The spelling of "pilfer" is not difficult to remember if one knows the phonetic transcription of the word. Its pronunciation and spelling are straightforward and easy to understand.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Conjugate verb
Basic Check Advanced Check

PILFER Meaning and Definition

  1. Pilfer is a verb that refers to the act of stealing or taking small items, typically of little value or in a casual manner without being noticed. It involves the act of pilfering, which implies a theft that is discreet, sly, and often performed in small quantities over a period of time. The term is commonly used to describe the action of taking things without permission from someone else's possession or property, with the intention of using them for personal gain.

    When an individual pilfers, they usually select objects that are easily accessible or inconspicuous, such as small amounts of money, snacks, office supplies, or other trinkets. This type of theft is typically characterized by its subtlety and the intent to avoid raising suspicion. Pilfering can occur in various environments, including homes, workplaces, stores, or public spaces, and may involve both tangible and intangible goods.

    Although pilfering may involve taking items of minimal value, it is nonetheless considered a form of theft and is generally regarded as unethical or illegal behavior. The act of pilfering can lead to consequences such as loss of trust, damaged reputations, and legal repercussions if caught. In many jurisdictions, pilfering is punishable under theft laws, regardless of the value of the stolen items.

    Overall, pilfering involves the secretive taking of items without permission or detection, emphasizing the discreet nature of the act and the intention to profit personally from someone else's possessions.

  2. To steal, applied to petty thefts; to filch.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PILFER

Etymology of PILFER

The word "pilfer" originated from the Old French verb "pelfrer" (also spelled "pelfrer"), which meant "to plunder, to rob". It entered English in the late 14th century and was derived from the Old French noun "pilfre", meaning "booty, spoils". Ultimately, the word can be traced back to the Late Latin term "pilfrare", which had the same meaning.

Idioms with the word PILFER

  • pilfer from sm or sth The idiom "pilfer from someone or something" means to repeatedly and discreetly steal small items or amounts from someone or something, often without their knowledge or notice. It implies a subtle form of theft where the stolen items or amounts are usually of little value individually but can accumulate over time if not noticed.
  • pilfer sth from sm or sth The idiom "pilfer something from someone or something" means to steal or take something, typically in a small or unnoticed manner.

Similar spelling words for PILFER

Conjugate verb Pilfer

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have pilfered
you would have pilfered
he/she/it would have pilfered
we would have pilfered
they would have pilfered
I would have pilfer
you would have pilfer
he/she/it would have pilfer
we would have pilfer
they would have pilfer

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been pilfering
you would have been pilfering
he/she/it would have been pilfering
we would have been pilfering
they would have been pilfering

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would pilfer
you would pilfer
he/she/it would pilfer
we would pilfer
they would pilfer

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be pilfering
you would be pilfering
he/she/it would be pilfering
we would be pilfering
they would be pilfering

FUTURE

I will pilfer
you will pilfer
he/she/it will pilfer
we will pilfer
they will pilfer

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be pilfering
you will be pilfering
he/she/it will be pilfering
we will be pilfering
they will be pilfering

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have pilfered
you will have pilfered
he/she/it will have pilfered
we will have pilfered
they will have pilfered

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been pilfering
you will have been pilfering
he/she/it will have been pilfering
we will have been pilfering
they will have been pilfering

IMPERATIVE

you pilfer
we let´s pilfer

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to pilfer

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was pilfering
you were pilfering
he/she/it was pilfering
we were pilfering
they were pilfering

PAST PARTICIPLE

pilfered

PAST PERFECT

I had pilfered
you had pilfered
he/she/it had pilfered
we had pilfered
they had pilfered

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been pilfering
you had been pilfering
he/she/it had been pilfering
we had been pilfering
they had been pilfering

PRESENT

I pilfer
you pilfer
he/she/it pilfers
we pilfer
they pilfer

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am pilfering
you are pilfering
he/she/it is pilfering
we are pilfering
they are pilfering

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

pilfering

PRESENT PERFECT

I have pilfered
you have pilfered
he/she/it has pilfered
we have pilfered
they have pilfered

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been pilfering
you have been pilfering
he/she/it has been pilfering
we have been pilfering
they have been pilfering

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it pilfer

SIMPLE PAST

I pilfered
you pilfered
he/she/it pilfered
we pilfered
they pilfered

Infographic

Correct spelling for pilfer
Add the infographic to your website: