plagiarise - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
plagiarise Word Meanings
- to copy someone else's work and claim it as your own
- to take ideas or words from someone else without giving credit
- to use another's content in your own writing improperly
plagiarise Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
plagiarise Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈpleɪ.dʒə.raɪz/
US
/ˈpleɪ.dʒə.raɪz/
plagiarise Word Etymology
Root decomposition: plagiar- (from Latin 'plagiare' meaning 'to seize') + -ise (verb-forming suffix). Historical origin: From Latin 'plagiare', through Old French 'plagier', to English 'plagiarise'. Memory image: Imagine a thief in the library, stealthily taking a book and pretending the ideas within it are his own, resembling the act of stealing ideas as one would steal a physical object.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Plagiarise means copying someone else's writing or ideas and presenting them as your own. In British spelling, it is common in formal settings such as essays, reports, or exams. It covers both verbatim copying and close paraphrasing without giving credit. The memory image—a thief in a library stealing a book and claiming the ideas are his—helps you picture the core wrongdoing. Learners should focus on proper attribution: quote short passages with quotation marks, summarize in their own words, and cite sources according to the required style. Misuse includes submitting another's work, even with minor edits, as if it were original.
Usage Reminders
- Always credit your sources.
- Use quotation marks for exact words.
- Paraphrase in your own words and cite the source.
- Do not submit someone else's work as your own.
- Check the required citation style for formatting.
- Avoid incidental or minor edits that amount to copying.
Common Misconceptions
- Plagiarism only happens in essays or reports.
- If you paraphrase, you can avoid citation with minor changes.
- Self-plagiarism isn't a problem if you wrote it before.
- A citation is the same as a complete bibliography.
- As long as you include a citation, you’re safe.
Thinking Differences
British and American readers often differ on spelling (plagiarise vs plagiarize) and on what counts as proper citation; learners should grasp both the concept and the expected citation style in their course.
Learning Tips
- Practice quoting with exact words using quotation marks.
- Practice paraphrasing by restating ideas in your own words.
- Keep track of sources during research to avoid accidental plagiarism.
- Learn the required citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).
- Develop a habit of writing in your own voice from the start.
- Use plagiarism checker tools as a learning aid, not a shortcut.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'plagiarise' mean?
A.To copy someone else's work and claim it as your own
B.To invent a new idea
C.To summarize a book
D.To interpret a piece of music
Step 2: Usage
Identify the sentence that uses 'plagiarise' correctly.
A.The artist decided to plagiarise his own original work for the exhibition.
B.I always plagiarise my assignments to save time.
C.If you plagiarise someone else's research, you could face serious consequences.
D.She was caught trying to plagiarise in the cooking competition.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'plagiarise'?
A.Copy
B.Scrutinize
C.Create
D.Edit
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'plagiarise'?
A.Steal
B.Duplicate
C.Invent
D.Imitate
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might engage in unethical behavior related to writing?
A.An author publicly shares her thoughts in a blog for her audience.
B.A journalist fact-checks their sources to ensure accuracy.
C.A student submits work that they did not write, misleading their teacher.
D.A researcher publishes findings based on their original experiments.
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