The act of presenting someone else's work or ideas as your own, without giving credit to the original source.
This definition encompasses the key elements of plagiarism:
* Taking someone else's work: This can include text, ideas, images, music, code, or any other form of creative expression.
* Presenting it as your own: This means claiming ownership of the work, even though you did not create it.
* Without giving credit to the original source: This means failing to acknowledge the source of the borrowed material.
Here are some additional nuances:
* Plagiarism can be intentional or unintentional. Intentional plagiarism is a deliberate act of cheating. Unintentional plagiarism can occur when someone fails to properly cite their sources or does not fully understand the rules of academic integrity.
* Plagiarism can take many forms. Some common forms include:
* Copying and pasting text without citing the source
* Paraphrasing without citing the source
* Using someone else's ideas without attribution
* Submitting someone else's work as your own
* Submitting work that you have previously submitted for another class
Consequences of Plagiarism:
Plagiarism can have serious consequences, including:
* Failing a grade
* Suspension or expulsion from school
* Damage to your reputation
* Legal repercussions
It's important to understand the rules of plagiarism and to always cite your sources properly. If you're ever unsure about whether or not something is plagiarism, it's best to ask your teacher or professor for guidance.