Difference between burglar and thief

[Elop]

English Synonym, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #73 "Synonyms for robber and thief", question 6

Look! The attic window is broken, the ......... has probably come inside this way.

(a) criminal
(b) burglar
(c) thief
(d) bandit

English Synonym, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #73 "Synonyms for robber and thief", answer 6

Look! The attic window is broken, the burglar has probably come inside this way.

Correct answer: (b) burglar
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why it is not thief ? what is the difference in meaning between burglar and thief?

Elop

[Mister Micawber]

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A burgler acquires forced access to private property; a thief steals something from it.
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Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber

[Daniela]

Dear Learner,
A burglar is a person who breaks into a house (breaks the door or the window), or shop, or other building to steal something.
A thief is someone who takes property belonging to someone else without his knowledge.
The difference is that burglars usually break into the building to steal something.
Daniela
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