Difference between Steal and Steel

Last Updated : 16 Nov, 2023

“Steal” and “steel” are two words that are confused due to their similar pronunciation but have entirely different meanings. “Steal” is a verb related to unlawfully taking someone’s property or ideas without permission, while “steel” is a noun referring to a strong metal alloy composed of iron and carbon.

Steal vs steel

Meaning of Steal

Steal means to take someone else’s property, possessions, or ideas without permission and without intending to return them. It involves the act of dishonestly acquiring something that does not belong to you.

Usage of Steal

Used to take something without permission or unlawfully.
Used to commit theft or robbery.
Used to plagiarize or copy someone’s work without giving credit.

Examples of Steal

Lunch stolen.
Heart stolen.
Spotlight stolen.
Car stolen.
Kiss stolen.
Pizza slice stolen.
Trophy stolen.
Wallet stolen.
Information stolen.
Glance stolen.

Meaning of Steel

Steel refers to a strong and hard metal alloy composed of iron and carbon. It is known for its exceptional strength, durability, and versatility, making it widely used in construction, manufacturing, and various industries.

Usage of Steel

Refer to the metal alloy composed of iron and carbon.
Describe something as strong, hard, and resilient.

Examples of Steel

Building steel.
Knife steel.
Bridge steel.
Car steel.
Watch steel.
Sculpture steel.
Pipe steel.
Roof steel.
Ship steel.

Differences between Steal and Steel

Steal	Steel
Verb	Noun
Means to take something without permission or unlawfully.	A strong and hard alloy made primarily of iron and carbon.
Involves the act of theft or stealing.	Used for making various objects, structures, and tools.
Related to illegal or dishonest actions.	Related to metallurgy and manufacturing.
Has negative connotations.	Has positive connotations.
Examples: steal money, steal a car, steal someone’s idea.	Examples: steel beam, steel sword, steel industry.
Associated with crime and dishonesty.	Associated with strength, durability, and construction.
Used in contexts of theft, robbery, and deception.	Used in contexts of construction, engineering, and industry.
Can be a verb or a noun depending on the usage.	Primarily used as a noun.
Focuses on the act of taking something unlawfully.	Focuses on the material or substance itself.
Emphasizes the illegal or unethical nature of the action .	Emphasizes the physical properties and applications.
Used figuratively to describe capturing attention or ideas .	Not used figuratively in common contexts.
Has multiple tenses and forms for different grammatical usage.	Generally used as a singular noun with plural form “steels”.
Synonyms: pilfer, thieve, snatch.	Synonyms: metal, alloy, iron, stainless steel.
Antonyms: give, return, offer.	Antonyms: plastic, wood, fabric, non-metallic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Steal” is a verb related to unlawfully taking someone’s property or ideas without permission, while “steel” is a noun referring to a strong metal alloy composed of iron and carbon.

Frequently Asked Questions