Sound-alike words

Steal vs. Steel

Steal is a verb meaning to take something that isn't yours, and informally a noun for a great bargain. Steel is a strong metal made mostly from iron. You can also steel yourself, meaning to prepare for something hard.

Word	Part of speech	Meaning
steal	verb	to take something without permission; also to take something quickly or quietly, like a glance
steal	noun	something bought for a surprisingly low price; a bargain
steel	noun	a hard, strong metal made from iron mixed with carbon
steel	verb	to prepare yourself mentally for something difficult or unpleasant

Steal

verb: to take something without permission; also to take something quickly or quietly, like a glance

Someone stole my lunch from the office fridge.
The runner stole second base in the ninth inning.

noun: something bought for a surprisingly low price; a bargain

At twenty dollars, that winter coat was a steal.
The used bike was a steal compared to a new one.

Steel

noun: a hard, strong metal made from iron mixed with carbon

The bridge is built from steel and concrete.
Wash the steel pan by hand to keep it shiny.

verb: to prepare yourself mentally for something difficult or unpleasant

Dad steeled himself before opening the electric bill.
She steeled her nerves and stepped onto the stage.

How to remember the difference

Steal has EA, like sneak: you sneak in and steal. Steel has a double E, like two strong steel beams standing side by side.

Good to know

Steal the show (get the most attention) and steal a glance use steal. Nerves of steel, a steely look and steel yourself all use steel.

Spot the mistake

I had to ~~steal~~ steel myself before calling the dentist about the bill.
Correct: I had to steel myself before calling the dentist about the bill.
The kitchen sink is made of stainless ~~steal.~~ steel.
Correct: The kitchen sink is made of stainless steel.

Check yourself

Pick the word that fits each sentence.

1. That jacket was only ten dollars, a real .

2. The new knives are made of high-quality .