burglars - Master This Word
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burglars Word Meanings
- a person who illegally enters a building to commit theft
- someone who steals from homes or businesses
- a thief who breaks in to steal valuable items
burglars Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
burglars Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈbɜːɡlə/
US
/ˈbɜrɡlər/
burglars Word Etymology
burglary = bur- = to break, glar = to watch. Historical origin: Middle Dutch 'burglarie' → English. Memory image: A burglar sneaking over a fence, peering into windows with a sly, stealthy pose.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
burglar is the noun for a person who illegally enters a building to steal. In everyday English you’ll hear phrases like a burglar broke in, or the burglars were caught on camera. The term focuses on the act of entering a property with the intent to steal, rather than simply stealing somewhere else. People distinguish a burglar from a robber (who may threaten violence) and from a thief (who steals but not necessarily by breaking in). You may also see the verb form burglarize, and in Britain the related verb burgle; in American English both forms are common but usage differs by region.
Usage Reminders
- - Burglar refers to a person who enters illegally to steal.
- - Use burglarize (US) or burgle (UK) as the verb form.
- - Distinguish burglar from robber (violence) and thief (steals in general).
- - Common collocations: burglary, break in, burglar alarm.
- - Pronounce BUR-glar, stress on the first syllable.
Common Misconceptions
- A burglar is always violent or armed.
- A burglar is the same as a robber or thief in all contexts.
- A 'break in' and a 'burglar' mean the exact same thing.
- If someone is a burglar, they also commit all crimes of theft.
- Burglarize and burgle are interchangeable in all dialects.
Thinking Differences
English tends to distinguish between burglars (entry with intent to steal) and robbers (violent theft) and thieves (stealers in general). Learners should focus on the idea of entering a place illegally and the collocations that go with crime words (burglary, break in, burglarize).
Learning Tips
- Study common collocations: burglary, break in, break into a house.
- Learn the noun and verb forms: burglar, burglary, burglarize.
- Differentiate burglar from robber and thief with example contexts.
- Watch for regional spellings: burgle (UK) vs burglarize (US).
- Practice pronunciation: BUR-glar with emphasis on the first syllable.
- Use realistic crime scenarios in sentences to remember context.
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