Plagiarize: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'plagiarius', meaning 'kidnapper', illustrating the act of stealing someone else's work.
• It first appeared in English in the early 17th century, reflecting concerns about authorship and originality.

Law

• In many countries, plagiarism can lead to lawsuits, as it violates copyright laws meant to protect creators.
• Academic institutions often have strict policies against plagiarism, with severe penalties like expulsion.

Education

• Many universities now use software to detect copied material, helping maintain academic integrity.
• Students are often taught about plagiarism so they understand the importance of original work and how to credit sources.

Technology

• The internet has made plagiarism easier yet more detectable, with numerous online tools verifying the originality of written content.
• Social media platforms have sparked debates about plagiarism, especially when users share memes or graphics created by others without credit.

Historical Perspectives

• Famous authors like Shakespeare and Mark Twain faced allegations of plagiarism, demonstrating that it’s an enduring concern in the literary world.
• In ancient times, copying was a common practice among scholars, yet it was expected to credit the original thinkers.

Ranking #39,219, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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