The word "thievish" refers to someone or something that is inclined to theft or deception. Its spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈθiːvɪʃ/. The first sound, /θ/, represents the voiceless dental fricative which is present in words like "thin" and "think". The next sound, /iː/, represents a long "ee" sound, as in "sheep" and "keep". The final sound, /ʃ/, represents the voiceless postalveolar fricative which is present in words like "shoe" and "shine".
Thievish is an adjective that describes someone or something that is inclined or prone to theft, stealing, or dishonesty. It is derived from the word "thief," which refers to a person who takes someone else's property without permission.
When applied to individuals, thievish characterizes a person who is inclined towards stealing or engaging in dishonest behavior, often with the intention of personal gain. These individuals are characterized by their tendency to take what does not belong to them, whether it is money, objects, or even ideas. Thievish individuals may display behaviors such as pickpocketing, shoplifting, embezzlement, or any form of larceny. Their actions are typically illegal and considered morally wrong.
In a broader sense, thievish can also be used to describe inanimate objects, animals, or natural phenomena that have the tendency to appropriate or take things. For instance, a thievish animal may steal food from human settlements or other animals' nests. Additionally, specific weather patterns may be described as thievish if they have the tendency to destroy crops, take away valuable resources, or cause harm to the environment.
Overall, thievish is a term used to describe individuals, objects, or even natural occurrences that demonstrate a propensity toward theft, stealing, or dishonest behavior.
Given to stealing; addicted to theft, partaking of the nature of theft.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "thievish" comes from the Middle English word "thievisch", which is derived from the Old English word "þēofisc". This Old English word evolved from "þēof", meaning "thief", and the suffix "-isc", which denotes "of or relating to". Therefore, "thievish" essentially means "pertaining to or characteristic of a thief".