According to Plagiarism.org the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines plagiarism as:
- to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own.
- to use (another's production) without crediting the source.
- to commit literary theft.
- to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.
Examples of Plagiarism
- Using other’s words and ideas or styles in your paper and not giving the author credit by not referring to the source (citing). The only time you do not cite is when you write information that is common knowledge, or your own opinion.
- When you use someone else’s exact words without putting them in quotes, even if you give credit to the author by citing the source.
- When paraphrasing by just changing the words around or by using synonyms, even if you give credit to the author by citing the source.
- Using some exact words in the paraphrase and not putting them in quotes, even if you give credit to the author by citing the source.
