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pilfer
Pilfer is used specifically for stealing small, low-value items. You would not use this word to describe a bank robbery or the theft of an expensive car. It often implies that the theft happens repeatedly over time rather than in one single event. For example, taking one pen every day from a desk is "pilfering," while stealing the whole desk is simply "stealing."
💬Casual Conversation
🎬Tuesday afternoon; Karen is at the grocery store while David is at home.
Karen Smith
Leo's been acting sketchy. I think he's trying to pilfer from my purse again.
David Smith
He's just pivoting his allowance strategy, babe. Chill.
💡
Karen uses 'pilfer' to describe her son stealing small amounts of money over time. David responds using a corporate buzzword ('pivoting') incorrectly to justify the behavior, reflecting his persona as a manager who tries too hard to sound visionary.