To steal is to take something from someone else without their consent. Steel is a strong metal alloy made mostly of iron and a small amount of carbon.

Thieves steal things, like bank robbers steal money and hackers break into business accounts and steal users' personal information. Those kinds of stealing are against the law. But there are other, perfectly legal ways to steal. To steal away is to leave in a sneaky way to avoid being seen. A speedy baseball player might steal second base, and the fans will cheer (or boo) about the stolen base. When a basketball player takes the ball from her opponent, that's called a steal. A particularly low price on a name-brand item may be referred to as a steal. Check out these correct uses of steal:

He wanted to steal Newt’s keys and help her escape. (The Maze Runner)

He added nine rebounds, five steals and four assists. (The Seattle Times)

Steel is the backbone of modern construction, as it is both lighter and stronger than the iron from which it is made. Steel is used to build massive structures like bridges, skyscrapers, and huge military ships called aircraft carriers. Much smaller things are also made of steel, including many kitchen appliances, pots and pans, forks and knives, and even paperclips! The word steel is also the name for a sword and a rod for sharpening knives. Figuratively, the word steel indicates unshakeable strength or resolve: someone who works well under pressure may be said to have nerves of steel. As a verb, the word steel means to prepare oneself for a difficult undertaking. You may steel yourself before a big presentation by taking a few deep breaths beforehand. Here are a few strong examples of steel at work:

Industrial products such as steel, chemicals and cement are widely used across the global economy. (Science Daily)

I glance back at the freak show that is my crew, steel myself, and follow her into the hospital. (Mockingjay)

The a in the word steal helps us remember that this word is about taking things. The double e's in steel can remind us how something that is doubled in strength is twice as strong, and steel is a very strong metal.