Is 'stolen' appropriate word?
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Somebody took my things without asking me, without my knowledge and didn't return them back to me.
Is 'stolen' word appropriate to represent this situation? (e.g. He stole my things.) If not, what would be the proper word?
word-choice
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add a comment |
Somebody took my things without asking me, without my knowledge and didn't return them back to me.
Is 'stolen' word appropriate to represent this situation? (e.g. He stole my things.) If not, what would be the proper word?
word-choice
New contributor
maverick_devil is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
In the future, please include some research in your question (look up the word you're not sure about, tell us what you've found and why your doubts persist).
– userr2684291
10 hours ago
Whether this word is idiomatic depends a lot on context. What did this person take? Do you know who took the item? Are they are stranger or acquaintance?
– trognanders
1 hour ago
1
Also, please note that ‘return […] back’ is a redundancy; ‘return’ is standard.
– gidds
1 hour ago
add a comment |
Somebody took my things without asking me, without my knowledge and didn't return them back to me.
Is 'stolen' word appropriate to represent this situation? (e.g. He stole my things.) If not, what would be the proper word?
word-choice
New contributor
maverick_devil is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Somebody took my things without asking me, without my knowledge and didn't return them back to me.
Is 'stolen' word appropriate to represent this situation? (e.g. He stole my things.) If not, what would be the proper word?
word-choice
word-choice
New contributor
maverick_devil is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
maverick_devil is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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edited 15 hours ago
virolino
3,8211734
3,8211734
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asked 15 hours ago
maverick_devilmaverick_devil
446
446
New contributor
maverick_devil is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
maverick_devil is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
maverick_devil is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
In the future, please include some research in your question (look up the word you're not sure about, tell us what you've found and why your doubts persist).
– userr2684291
10 hours ago
Whether this word is idiomatic depends a lot on context. What did this person take? Do you know who took the item? Are they are stranger or acquaintance?
– trognanders
1 hour ago
1
Also, please note that ‘return […] back’ is a redundancy; ‘return’ is standard.
– gidds
1 hour ago
add a comment |
1
In the future, please include some research in your question (look up the word you're not sure about, tell us what you've found and why your doubts persist).
– userr2684291
10 hours ago
Whether this word is idiomatic depends a lot on context. What did this person take? Do you know who took the item? Are they are stranger or acquaintance?
– trognanders
1 hour ago
1
Also, please note that ‘return […] back’ is a redundancy; ‘return’ is standard.
– gidds
1 hour ago
1
1
In the future, please include some research in your question (look up the word you're not sure about, tell us what you've found and why your doubts persist).
– userr2684291
10 hours ago
In the future, please include some research in your question (look up the word you're not sure about, tell us what you've found and why your doubts persist).
– userr2684291
10 hours ago
Whether this word is idiomatic depends a lot on context. What did this person take? Do you know who took the item? Are they are stranger or acquaintance?
– trognanders
1 hour ago
Whether this word is idiomatic depends a lot on context. What did this person take? Do you know who took the item? Are they are stranger or acquaintance?
– trognanders
1 hour ago
1
1
Also, please note that ‘return […] back’ is a redundancy; ‘return’ is standard.
– gidds
1 hour ago
Also, please note that ‘return […] back’ is a redundancy; ‘return’ is standard.
– gidds
1 hour ago
add a comment |
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
Technically, "stolen" is a suitable word.
However, depending on a number of factors, different people may use different words in different situations. Example: kleptomania is also stealing.
If confronted, the person might claim that it was a simple borrowing, but he did not have a chance to tell you or to return the object - yet.
Note: if that happened in an office (in other places also), using this word loudly, especially with several people present, will surely attract a bad energy on you, and it will destroy some of your reputation.
So in this case, it is much better (politically correct) to say: "took my things without asking me, without my knowledge and didn't return them back to me" - simply because "to steal" is a very strong word.
2
Reputation or not, if someone takes without permission, yes they took the item(s) and it was stealing. It may be a strong word but it is true and accurate. Took can imply with permission.
– Chris Rogers
15 hours ago
2
@ChrisRogers: did you read the first sentence I wrote? By definition, "take" does not imply permission or denial or anything.
– virolino
14 hours ago
4
This should be the accepted answer, since the dangerous connotations of the term "stealing" may not be apparent to the OP. "Stealing" is a crime, and in many English-speaking countries, false accusations of crime may be considered libelous. One needs to be careful when choosing words in this case.
– Xerxes
11 hours ago
2
+1 for Virolino's full answer. It would be irresponsible to tell a language learner "yes, go ahead and use 'stolen'" without explaining the possible consequences. The suggested sentence ("took my things without...") is a simple, objective exposition, and allows the listener to draw their own conclusions. To use "stole" is a conclusion, a judgement and an accusation, and needs far more consideration than just relying on a dictionary definition.
– CCTO
11 hours ago
2
If you're working at Initech and stop by Bill's office and see your red stapler on his desk, you don't accuse him of "stealing" or "taking" your stapler -- at least not unless your intent is to burn bridges (and/or the office building). More likely you'd say "Oh hey, there's my stapler! Hey Bill, I'd appreciate it if you'd ask me next time you needed to borrow it... that'd be great."
– Doktor J
5 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
Stolen is the past participle of steal which is:
to take (the property of another or others) without permission or right, especially secretly or by force.
A pickpocket stole his watch.
So yes, stolen is an appropriate word to use when somebody took your things without asking you.
add a comment |
Yes, "stole" or "stolen" means this.
- to take something without the permission or knowledge of the owner and keep it or use it:
... He never paid me back, so basically he ended up stealing a hundred dollars from me.
-- Cambridge Dictionary
The only exception I can think of would be if it was a person in authority, who was authorized by law to take it. This would not be considered stealing.
The police officer, under orders from a judge, took my things without asking me, without my knowledge and didn't return them back to me.
The tax authority took my things without asking me, without my knowledge and didn't return them back to me.
I like your alternatives, but in some people's view, taxes and confiscation via court is stealing :-) To my view, even if it is by court order, if the court order or warrant is not presented at the time or prior to taking the items, it is technically still stealing.
– Chris Rogers
15 hours ago
@ChrisR - Even the definition in your answer says, "to take without permission or right." There are many exceptions where someone might take something without permission and most would agree that "stealing" is not the most precise term, including: court-ordered confiscation, a parent taking something away from a child, and maybe even someone borrowing something from a close friend or neighbor, depending on the closeness of the relationship. If I wasn't at my desk and a colleague needed a book off my bookshelf, I'd be unlikely to accuse him of "stealing" it, even if he forgot to return it.
– J.R.♦
8 hours ago
add a comment |
To say
Someone stole my things.
implies that the things were taken intentionally, not by mistake; that the things were taken with the intention of never returning them, but rather with the intent of keeping or selling or disposing of them; and that the things were taken with a malicious or criminal intention, not with any innocent purpose.
That may all be true, but perhaps not all of it is. By saying "stolen" one is taking a hard line, which may cause problems if the things were taken by mistake, or with the intention of returning them, or for some legitimate purpose.
One can soften the word. for example by saying:
It seems that my things were stolen.
or
I think that my things may have been stolen. No one asked to borrow them.
add a comment |
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4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
Technically, "stolen" is a suitable word.
However, depending on a number of factors, different people may use different words in different situations. Example: kleptomania is also stealing.
If confronted, the person might claim that it was a simple borrowing, but he did not have a chance to tell you or to return the object - yet.
Note: if that happened in an office (in other places also), using this word loudly, especially with several people present, will surely attract a bad energy on you, and it will destroy some of your reputation.
So in this case, it is much better (politically correct) to say: "took my things without asking me, without my knowledge and didn't return them back to me" - simply because "to steal" is a very strong word.
2
Reputation or not, if someone takes without permission, yes they took the item(s) and it was stealing. It may be a strong word but it is true and accurate. Took can imply with permission.
– Chris Rogers
15 hours ago
2
@ChrisRogers: did you read the first sentence I wrote? By definition, "take" does not imply permission or denial or anything.
– virolino
14 hours ago
4
This should be the accepted answer, since the dangerous connotations of the term "stealing" may not be apparent to the OP. "Stealing" is a crime, and in many English-speaking countries, false accusations of crime may be considered libelous. One needs to be careful when choosing words in this case.
– Xerxes
11 hours ago
2
+1 for Virolino's full answer. It would be irresponsible to tell a language learner "yes, go ahead and use 'stolen'" without explaining the possible consequences. The suggested sentence ("took my things without...") is a simple, objective exposition, and allows the listener to draw their own conclusions. To use "stole" is a conclusion, a judgement and an accusation, and needs far more consideration than just relying on a dictionary definition.
– CCTO
11 hours ago
2
If you're working at Initech and stop by Bill's office and see your red stapler on his desk, you don't accuse him of "stealing" or "taking" your stapler -- at least not unless your intent is to burn bridges (and/or the office building). More likely you'd say "Oh hey, there's my stapler! Hey Bill, I'd appreciate it if you'd ask me next time you needed to borrow it... that'd be great."
– Doktor J
5 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
Technically, "stolen" is a suitable word.
However, depending on a number of factors, different people may use different words in different situations. Example: kleptomania is also stealing.
If confronted, the person might claim that it was a simple borrowing, but he did not have a chance to tell you or to return the object - yet.
Note: if that happened in an office (in other places also), using this word loudly, especially with several people present, will surely attract a bad energy on you, and it will destroy some of your reputation.
So in this case, it is much better (politically correct) to say: "took my things without asking me, without my knowledge and didn't return them back to me" - simply because "to steal" is a very strong word.
2
Reputation or not, if someone takes without permission, yes they took the item(s) and it was stealing. It may be a strong word but it is true and accurate. Took can imply with permission.
– Chris Rogers
15 hours ago
2
@ChrisRogers: did you read the first sentence I wrote? By definition, "take" does not imply permission or denial or anything.
– virolino
14 hours ago
4
This should be the accepted answer, since the dangerous connotations of the term "stealing" may not be apparent to the OP. "Stealing" is a crime, and in many English-speaking countries, false accusations of crime may be considered libelous. One needs to be careful when choosing words in this case.
– Xerxes
11 hours ago
2
+1 for Virolino's full answer. It would be irresponsible to tell a language learner "yes, go ahead and use 'stolen'" without explaining the possible consequences. The suggested sentence ("took my things without...") is a simple, objective exposition, and allows the listener to draw their own conclusions. To use "stole" is a conclusion, a judgement and an accusation, and needs far more consideration than just relying on a dictionary definition.
– CCTO
11 hours ago
2
If you're working at Initech and stop by Bill's office and see your red stapler on his desk, you don't accuse him of "stealing" or "taking" your stapler -- at least not unless your intent is to burn bridges (and/or the office building). More likely you'd say "Oh hey, there's my stapler! Hey Bill, I'd appreciate it if you'd ask me next time you needed to borrow it... that'd be great."
– Doktor J
5 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
Technically, "stolen" is a suitable word.
However, depending on a number of factors, different people may use different words in different situations. Example: kleptomania is also stealing.
If confronted, the person might claim that it was a simple borrowing, but he did not have a chance to tell you or to return the object - yet.
Note: if that happened in an office (in other places also), using this word loudly, especially with several people present, will surely attract a bad energy on you, and it will destroy some of your reputation.
So in this case, it is much better (politically correct) to say: "took my things without asking me, without my knowledge and didn't return them back to me" - simply because "to steal" is a very strong word.
Technically, "stolen" is a suitable word.
However, depending on a number of factors, different people may use different words in different situations. Example: kleptomania is also stealing.
If confronted, the person might claim that it was a simple borrowing, but he did not have a chance to tell you or to return the object - yet.
Note: if that happened in an office (in other places also), using this word loudly, especially with several people present, will surely attract a bad energy on you, and it will destroy some of your reputation.
So in this case, it is much better (politically correct) to say: "took my things without asking me, without my knowledge and didn't return them back to me" - simply because "to steal" is a very strong word.
answered 15 hours ago
virolinovirolino
3,8211734
3,8211734
2
Reputation or not, if someone takes without permission, yes they took the item(s) and it was stealing. It may be a strong word but it is true and accurate. Took can imply with permission.
– Chris Rogers
15 hours ago
2
@ChrisRogers: did you read the first sentence I wrote? By definition, "take" does not imply permission or denial or anything.
– virolino
14 hours ago
4
This should be the accepted answer, since the dangerous connotations of the term "stealing" may not be apparent to the OP. "Stealing" is a crime, and in many English-speaking countries, false accusations of crime may be considered libelous. One needs to be careful when choosing words in this case.
– Xerxes
11 hours ago
2
+1 for Virolino's full answer. It would be irresponsible to tell a language learner "yes, go ahead and use 'stolen'" without explaining the possible consequences. The suggested sentence ("took my things without...") is a simple, objective exposition, and allows the listener to draw their own conclusions. To use "stole" is a conclusion, a judgement and an accusation, and needs far more consideration than just relying on a dictionary definition.
– CCTO
11 hours ago
2
If you're working at Initech and stop by Bill's office and see your red stapler on his desk, you don't accuse him of "stealing" or "taking" your stapler -- at least not unless your intent is to burn bridges (and/or the office building). More likely you'd say "Oh hey, there's my stapler! Hey Bill, I'd appreciate it if you'd ask me next time you needed to borrow it... that'd be great."
– Doktor J
5 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
2
Reputation or not, if someone takes without permission, yes they took the item(s) and it was stealing. It may be a strong word but it is true and accurate. Took can imply with permission.
– Chris Rogers
15 hours ago
2
@ChrisRogers: did you read the first sentence I wrote? By definition, "take" does not imply permission or denial or anything.
– virolino
14 hours ago
4
This should be the accepted answer, since the dangerous connotations of the term "stealing" may not be apparent to the OP. "Stealing" is a crime, and in many English-speaking countries, false accusations of crime may be considered libelous. One needs to be careful when choosing words in this case.
– Xerxes
11 hours ago
2
+1 for Virolino's full answer. It would be irresponsible to tell a language learner "yes, go ahead and use 'stolen'" without explaining the possible consequences. The suggested sentence ("took my things without...") is a simple, objective exposition, and allows the listener to draw their own conclusions. To use "stole" is a conclusion, a judgement and an accusation, and needs far more consideration than just relying on a dictionary definition.
– CCTO
11 hours ago
2
If you're working at Initech and stop by Bill's office and see your red stapler on his desk, you don't accuse him of "stealing" or "taking" your stapler -- at least not unless your intent is to burn bridges (and/or the office building). More likely you'd say "Oh hey, there's my stapler! Hey Bill, I'd appreciate it if you'd ask me next time you needed to borrow it... that'd be great."
– Doktor J
5 hours ago
2
2
Reputation or not, if someone takes without permission, yes they took the item(s) and it was stealing. It may be a strong word but it is true and accurate. Took can imply with permission.
– Chris Rogers
15 hours ago
Reputation or not, if someone takes without permission, yes they took the item(s) and it was stealing. It may be a strong word but it is true and accurate. Took can imply with permission.
– Chris Rogers
15 hours ago
2
2
@ChrisRogers: did you read the first sentence I wrote? By definition, "take" does not imply permission or denial or anything.
– virolino
14 hours ago
@ChrisRogers: did you read the first sentence I wrote? By definition, "take" does not imply permission or denial or anything.
– virolino
14 hours ago
4
4
This should be the accepted answer, since the dangerous connotations of the term "stealing" may not be apparent to the OP. "Stealing" is a crime, and in many English-speaking countries, false accusations of crime may be considered libelous. One needs to be careful when choosing words in this case.
– Xerxes
11 hours ago
This should be the accepted answer, since the dangerous connotations of the term "stealing" may not be apparent to the OP. "Stealing" is a crime, and in many English-speaking countries, false accusations of crime may be considered libelous. One needs to be careful when choosing words in this case.
– Xerxes
11 hours ago
2
2
+1 for Virolino's full answer. It would be irresponsible to tell a language learner "yes, go ahead and use 'stolen'" without explaining the possible consequences. The suggested sentence ("took my things without...") is a simple, objective exposition, and allows the listener to draw their own conclusions. To use "stole" is a conclusion, a judgement and an accusation, and needs far more consideration than just relying on a dictionary definition.
– CCTO
11 hours ago
+1 for Virolino's full answer. It would be irresponsible to tell a language learner "yes, go ahead and use 'stolen'" without explaining the possible consequences. The suggested sentence ("took my things without...") is a simple, objective exposition, and allows the listener to draw their own conclusions. To use "stole" is a conclusion, a judgement and an accusation, and needs far more consideration than just relying on a dictionary definition.
– CCTO
11 hours ago
2
2
If you're working at Initech and stop by Bill's office and see your red stapler on his desk, you don't accuse him of "stealing" or "taking" your stapler -- at least not unless your intent is to burn bridges (and/or the office building). More likely you'd say "Oh hey, there's my stapler! Hey Bill, I'd appreciate it if you'd ask me next time you needed to borrow it... that'd be great."
– Doktor J
5 hours ago
If you're working at Initech and stop by Bill's office and see your red stapler on his desk, you don't accuse him of "stealing" or "taking" your stapler -- at least not unless your intent is to burn bridges (and/or the office building). More likely you'd say "Oh hey, there's my stapler! Hey Bill, I'd appreciate it if you'd ask me next time you needed to borrow it... that'd be great."
– Doktor J
5 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
Stolen is the past participle of steal which is:
to take (the property of another or others) without permission or right, especially secretly or by force.
A pickpocket stole his watch.
So yes, stolen is an appropriate word to use when somebody took your things without asking you.
add a comment |
Stolen is the past participle of steal which is:
to take (the property of another or others) without permission or right, especially secretly or by force.
A pickpocket stole his watch.
So yes, stolen is an appropriate word to use when somebody took your things without asking you.
add a comment |
Stolen is the past participle of steal which is:
to take (the property of another or others) without permission or right, especially secretly or by force.
A pickpocket stole his watch.
So yes, stolen is an appropriate word to use when somebody took your things without asking you.
Stolen is the past participle of steal which is:
to take (the property of another or others) without permission or right, especially secretly or by force.
A pickpocket stole his watch.
So yes, stolen is an appropriate word to use when somebody took your things without asking you.
answered 15 hours ago
Chris RogersChris Rogers
1,613313
1,613313
add a comment |
add a comment |
Yes, "stole" or "stolen" means this.
- to take something without the permission or knowledge of the owner and keep it or use it:
... He never paid me back, so basically he ended up stealing a hundred dollars from me.
-- Cambridge Dictionary
The only exception I can think of would be if it was a person in authority, who was authorized by law to take it. This would not be considered stealing.
The police officer, under orders from a judge, took my things without asking me, without my knowledge and didn't return them back to me.
The tax authority took my things without asking me, without my knowledge and didn't return them back to me.
I like your alternatives, but in some people's view, taxes and confiscation via court is stealing :-) To my view, even if it is by court order, if the court order or warrant is not presented at the time or prior to taking the items, it is technically still stealing.
– Chris Rogers
15 hours ago
@ChrisR - Even the definition in your answer says, "to take without permission or right." There are many exceptions where someone might take something without permission and most would agree that "stealing" is not the most precise term, including: court-ordered confiscation, a parent taking something away from a child, and maybe even someone borrowing something from a close friend or neighbor, depending on the closeness of the relationship. If I wasn't at my desk and a colleague needed a book off my bookshelf, I'd be unlikely to accuse him of "stealing" it, even if he forgot to return it.
– J.R.♦
8 hours ago
add a comment |
Yes, "stole" or "stolen" means this.
- to take something without the permission or knowledge of the owner and keep it or use it:
... He never paid me back, so basically he ended up stealing a hundred dollars from me.
-- Cambridge Dictionary
The only exception I can think of would be if it was a person in authority, who was authorized by law to take it. This would not be considered stealing.
The police officer, under orders from a judge, took my things without asking me, without my knowledge and didn't return them back to me.
The tax authority took my things without asking me, without my knowledge and didn't return them back to me.
I like your alternatives, but in some people's view, taxes and confiscation via court is stealing :-) To my view, even if it is by court order, if the court order or warrant is not presented at the time or prior to taking the items, it is technically still stealing.
– Chris Rogers
15 hours ago
@ChrisR - Even the definition in your answer says, "to take without permission or right." There are many exceptions where someone might take something without permission and most would agree that "stealing" is not the most precise term, including: court-ordered confiscation, a parent taking something away from a child, and maybe even someone borrowing something from a close friend or neighbor, depending on the closeness of the relationship. If I wasn't at my desk and a colleague needed a book off my bookshelf, I'd be unlikely to accuse him of "stealing" it, even if he forgot to return it.
– J.R.♦
8 hours ago
add a comment |
Yes, "stole" or "stolen" means this.
- to take something without the permission or knowledge of the owner and keep it or use it:
... He never paid me back, so basically he ended up stealing a hundred dollars from me.
-- Cambridge Dictionary
The only exception I can think of would be if it was a person in authority, who was authorized by law to take it. This would not be considered stealing.
The police officer, under orders from a judge, took my things without asking me, without my knowledge and didn't return them back to me.
The tax authority took my things without asking me, without my knowledge and didn't return them back to me.
Yes, "stole" or "stolen" means this.
- to take something without the permission or knowledge of the owner and keep it or use it:
... He never paid me back, so basically he ended up stealing a hundred dollars from me.
-- Cambridge Dictionary
The only exception I can think of would be if it was a person in authority, who was authorized by law to take it. This would not be considered stealing.
The police officer, under orders from a judge, took my things without asking me, without my knowledge and didn't return them back to me.
The tax authority took my things without asking me, without my knowledge and didn't return them back to me.
edited 8 hours ago
J.R.♦
101k8129249
101k8129249
answered 15 hours ago
whiskeychiefwhiskeychief
51129
51129
I like your alternatives, but in some people's view, taxes and confiscation via court is stealing :-) To my view, even if it is by court order, if the court order or warrant is not presented at the time or prior to taking the items, it is technically still stealing.
– Chris Rogers
15 hours ago
@ChrisR - Even the definition in your answer says, "to take without permission or right." There are many exceptions where someone might take something without permission and most would agree that "stealing" is not the most precise term, including: court-ordered confiscation, a parent taking something away from a child, and maybe even someone borrowing something from a close friend or neighbor, depending on the closeness of the relationship. If I wasn't at my desk and a colleague needed a book off my bookshelf, I'd be unlikely to accuse him of "stealing" it, even if he forgot to return it.
– J.R.♦
8 hours ago
add a comment |
I like your alternatives, but in some people's view, taxes and confiscation via court is stealing :-) To my view, even if it is by court order, if the court order or warrant is not presented at the time or prior to taking the items, it is technically still stealing.
– Chris Rogers
15 hours ago
@ChrisR - Even the definition in your answer says, "to take without permission or right." There are many exceptions where someone might take something without permission and most would agree that "stealing" is not the most precise term, including: court-ordered confiscation, a parent taking something away from a child, and maybe even someone borrowing something from a close friend or neighbor, depending on the closeness of the relationship. If I wasn't at my desk and a colleague needed a book off my bookshelf, I'd be unlikely to accuse him of "stealing" it, even if he forgot to return it.
– J.R.♦
8 hours ago
I like your alternatives, but in some people's view, taxes and confiscation via court is stealing :-) To my view, even if it is by court order, if the court order or warrant is not presented at the time or prior to taking the items, it is technically still stealing.
– Chris Rogers
15 hours ago
I like your alternatives, but in some people's view, taxes and confiscation via court is stealing :-) To my view, even if it is by court order, if the court order or warrant is not presented at the time or prior to taking the items, it is technically still stealing.
– Chris Rogers
15 hours ago
@ChrisR - Even the definition in your answer says, "to take without permission or right." There are many exceptions where someone might take something without permission and most would agree that "stealing" is not the most precise term, including: court-ordered confiscation, a parent taking something away from a child, and maybe even someone borrowing something from a close friend or neighbor, depending on the closeness of the relationship. If I wasn't at my desk and a colleague needed a book off my bookshelf, I'd be unlikely to accuse him of "stealing" it, even if he forgot to return it.
– J.R.♦
8 hours ago
@ChrisR - Even the definition in your answer says, "to take without permission or right." There are many exceptions where someone might take something without permission and most would agree that "stealing" is not the most precise term, including: court-ordered confiscation, a parent taking something away from a child, and maybe even someone borrowing something from a close friend or neighbor, depending on the closeness of the relationship. If I wasn't at my desk and a colleague needed a book off my bookshelf, I'd be unlikely to accuse him of "stealing" it, even if he forgot to return it.
– J.R.♦
8 hours ago
add a comment |
To say
Someone stole my things.
implies that the things were taken intentionally, not by mistake; that the things were taken with the intention of never returning them, but rather with the intent of keeping or selling or disposing of them; and that the things were taken with a malicious or criminal intention, not with any innocent purpose.
That may all be true, but perhaps not all of it is. By saying "stolen" one is taking a hard line, which may cause problems if the things were taken by mistake, or with the intention of returning them, or for some legitimate purpose.
One can soften the word. for example by saying:
It seems that my things were stolen.
or
I think that my things may have been stolen. No one asked to borrow them.
add a comment |
To say
Someone stole my things.
implies that the things were taken intentionally, not by mistake; that the things were taken with the intention of never returning them, but rather with the intent of keeping or selling or disposing of them; and that the things were taken with a malicious or criminal intention, not with any innocent purpose.
That may all be true, but perhaps not all of it is. By saying "stolen" one is taking a hard line, which may cause problems if the things were taken by mistake, or with the intention of returning them, or for some legitimate purpose.
One can soften the word. for example by saying:
It seems that my things were stolen.
or
I think that my things may have been stolen. No one asked to borrow them.
add a comment |
To say
Someone stole my things.
implies that the things were taken intentionally, not by mistake; that the things were taken with the intention of never returning them, but rather with the intent of keeping or selling or disposing of them; and that the things were taken with a malicious or criminal intention, not with any innocent purpose.
That may all be true, but perhaps not all of it is. By saying "stolen" one is taking a hard line, which may cause problems if the things were taken by mistake, or with the intention of returning them, or for some legitimate purpose.
One can soften the word. for example by saying:
It seems that my things were stolen.
or
I think that my things may have been stolen. No one asked to borrow them.
To say
Someone stole my things.
implies that the things were taken intentionally, not by mistake; that the things were taken with the intention of never returning them, but rather with the intent of keeping or selling or disposing of them; and that the things were taken with a malicious or criminal intention, not with any innocent purpose.
That may all be true, but perhaps not all of it is. By saying "stolen" one is taking a hard line, which may cause problems if the things were taken by mistake, or with the intention of returning them, or for some legitimate purpose.
One can soften the word. for example by saying:
It seems that my things were stolen.
or
I think that my things may have been stolen. No one asked to borrow them.
answered 7 hours ago
David SiegelDavid Siegel
1,707112
1,707112
add a comment |
add a comment |
maverick_devil is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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1
In the future, please include some research in your question (look up the word you're not sure about, tell us what you've found and why your doubts persist).
– userr2684291
10 hours ago
Whether this word is idiomatic depends a lot on context. What did this person take? Do you know who took the item? Are they are stranger or acquaintance?
– trognanders
1 hour ago
1
Also, please note that ‘return […] back’ is a redundancy; ‘return’ is standard.
– gidds
1 hour ago