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.

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

• lilfe
• prifer
• pffer
• pailer
• welfer
• pilge
• ilfe
• pefer
• giolfer
• piller
• pfifer
• milfor
• pifel
• selfer
• solfer
• pilor
• plser
• piler
• palfer
• pilarr
• pifler
• pilsner
• pilerr
• pileri
• pilfry
• Pilfury
• pillert
• pilset
• hilfe
• iLFED
• pilier
• piliferr
• pillifer
• piliifer
• spileer
• pelfeer
• Poiffery
• Pizzer
• Pilfard
• GILFE
• pilefer
• Pilfurry
• Pileefer
• Piplyer

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

• pilferer,
• polfer,
• pilferage.

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