Definition

The act of using someone else's work or ideas and presenting them as your own without giving proper credit.

Example

The student was accused of plagiarism for copying parts of an essay from the internet.

Conversation

Did you hear about that student who got caught for plagiarism last week?

Yeah, that was such a big deal!

I can't believe they thought they could get away with plagiarism.

Right? It's important to be original in your work.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Plagiarism → It is formed from "plagiarius" (meaning kidnapper or seducer) and the suffix "-ism" (indicating a practice or condition). The word "plagiarism" refers to the practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own, akin to the act of 'kidnapping' their intellectual property.

Memory Tip

Think of 'plagiarius' which relates to 'kidnapping' someone's ideas — that's why plagiarism means taking someone else's work.

Visually Confused Words