What does burglariously mean?
Burglariously is an adverb meaning in a manner characteristic of a burglar: secretly, unlawfully, and often with the intention of taking something. It is especially appropriate when an intruder enters or accesses a property to steal, as in the phrase 'burglariously entered the house.' The word can also be used figuratively to characterize devious or underhanded behavior, although this playful extension is often humorous or ironic. Burglariously is less neutral than words such as secretly or illegally because it evokes the familiar image of a burglar and can make an event sound dramatic, colorful, or deliberately comic. It is used in both British and American English, though writers normally reach for it when stylistic emphasis is desired rather than for routine description. The related adjective is burglarious, meaning characteristic of or involving a burglar.
adverbIn a manner characteristic of a burglar; stealthily and unlawfully, especially by entering a property with the intention of stealing.
- In a burglar-like manner, especially by entering or accessing a place secretly and unlawfully for theft.
- Figuratively, in a devious, underhanded, or illicit manner.
"The thief burglariously entered the house while the family was away."
"The intruder burglariously entered the warehouse through an unlocked loading bay."
"The rival's attempt to appropriate the design was described as burglariously underhanded."
Burglariously gives a thief's stealth the theatrical flair of a classic caper.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does burglariously come from?
The word belongs to the English lexical family formed around burglar, a term borrowed through Anglo-French and recorded in the early 16th century. The adjective burglarious and its adverb burglariously were formed with the suffixes -ious and -iously, while burglary, burgle, and burglarize developed from the same family. The form burglariously has long been established in English and is not restricted to a modern regional variant.
Related word forms
How burglariously is actually used
Relatively uncommon and more literary or deliberately comic than the simpler words 'stealthily' and 'illegally.' Its dramatic wording can convey irony, exaggeration, or figurative condemnation.
Easily confused with burglariously
Burgle is a verb meaning to steal by breaking into a building, whereas burglariously is an adverb describing how an action is performed.
A burglar is a person who commits burglary, whereas burglariously describes an action or manner of behaving.