Plagiarist: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is often used in academic and literary settings to describe someone who takes someone else's work and presents it as their own. It carries a serious and formal connotation.

• The professor caught the student and labeled him a plagiarist for copying an entire paragraph from a published article.
• In the world of scholarly research, being called a plagiarist can ruin one's career.

This term is less formal and is often used in everyday conversation to describe someone who imitates another's actions or work. It can be used in both serious and light-hearted contexts.

• My little brother is such a copycat; he always wants to do what I do.
• The new startup is a copycat of that established tech company, copying their entire business model.

This is a broad, general term for someone who steals something. It can be used in both physical and intellectual property contexts, and it usually carries a strongly negative connotation.

• The art thief managed to steal several paintings from the museum.
• Calling someone a thief for taking your idea can escalate the situation.

This term refers to someone who illegally copies and distributes copyrighted material, such as software, music, or movies. It is frequently used in the context of digital media.

• He was arrested for being a software pirate, distributing cracked versions of expensive programs.
• Online streaming services are constantly fighting against pirates who share their content for free.

Used to describe someone who copies others' work or ideas and claims them as their own, often in academic, literary, or creative fields.

• The journalist was exposed as a plagiarist after he copied an entire article from another publication.
• She was disqualified from the competition for being a plagiarist after it was discovered she used someone else's design.

Refers to someone who deceives others, especially in order to gain an advantage or win a game, test, or competition. This term has a broad usage in many areas including academics, sports, and relationships.

• He was caught as a cheater during the exam for using hidden notes.
• No one likes playing cards with him because he has a reputation for being a cheater.

Generally applies to someone who reproduces the works of others, typically in a professional setting like copying manuscripts or artworks. It does not imply deceit or dishonesty.

• During the Renaissance, many artists employed copyists to reproduce their famous paintings.
• As a music copyist, her job was to create duplicate scores for the orchestra.

Describes someone who pretends to be someone else to deceive others, often for personal gain or to commit fraud. This term strongly implies dishonesty and deceit.

• The imposter was arrested after pretending to be a doctor and treating patients without any qualifications.
• She felt betrayed when she discovered her online friend was actually an imposter who had been lying about his identity.