Plagiarism vs. Copying: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 14, 2023
Plagiarism involves taking someone else's work and presenting it as your own, usually in academic or professional settings. Copying is the act of duplicating content or behavior, not necessarily with the intent of deceit.
Key Differences
Plagiarism and copying both involve using someone else's work or ideas, but their implications and applications can be quite different. Plagiarism is a serious ethical violation that involves stealing someone else's intellectual property and claiming it as your own, often without permission or acknowledgment. Copying, on the other hand, can be a neutral act, like taking notes from a board or making a photocopy of a document, and does not always imply deception.
Plagiarism often carries legal consequences and is considered an academic offense in many institutions. It undermines the principles of integrity and trust. Copying, meanwhile, can be benign or even encouraged in some contexts, like art classes where you copy a famous painting to learn techniques. However, if copying is done with the intent to deceive, it can also be considered plagiarism.
Grammatically speaking, "plagiarism" is a noun that often stands alone or with a qualifying adjective such as "academic" or "literary." "Copying" is also a noun but can serve as a present participle verb ("He is copying the document"). In sentences, plagiarism is often introduced by the verb "commit," whereas copying is often paired with verbs like "is," "are," or "was."
In essence, while plagiarism is a subset of copying with the specific intent of deceit, not all instances of copying qualify as plagiarism. Copying could be a mere duplication of content, while plagiarism is the unethical appropriation of someone else’s work as one's own, often with serious consequences.
Comparison Chart
Intent
Deceptive, with intent to claim as own
Not always deceptive
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Application
Academic, professional
Varied, can be benign
Legal Consequences
Often
Rarely
Grammar
Usually a standalone noun
Noun or present participle verb
Examples
Academic papers, published works
Notes, sketches, photocopies
Plagiarism and Copying Definitions
Plagiarism
Stealing and publishing ideas without consent.
Plagiarism of copyrighted material is illegal.
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Copying
Reproduction of original content.
She was copying notes from the board.
Plagiarism
Imitation that claims originality.
His plagiarism cost him his job and reputation.
Copying
Duplicating material for reference.
Copying the article was easier than handwriting it.
Plagiarism
Unacknowledged use of another's intellectual property.
The student committed plagiarism by copying from the internet.
Copying
Replicating actions or behavior.
The younger sibling was copying his brother's dance moves.
Plagiarism
Presenting someone else's work as one's own.
Her article was retracted due to plagiarism.
Copying
An imitation or reproduction of an original; a duplicate
A copy of a painting.
Made two copies of the letter.
Plagiarism
Academic dishonesty involving copied work.
The professor detected plagiarism using specialized software.
Copying
(Computers) A file that has the same data as another file
Stored on the server a copy of every document.
Plagiarism
The act or behavior of plagiarizing.
Copying
One example of a printed text, picture, film, or recording
An autographed copy of a novel.
Plagiarism
An instance of plagiarizing, especially a passage that is taken from the work of one person and reproduced in the work of another without attribution.
Copying
Material, such as a manuscript, that is to be set in type.
Plagiarism
(uncountable) Copying of another person's ideas, text, or other creative work, and presenting it as one's own, especially without permission; plagiarizing.
Even if it's not illegal, plagiarism is usually frowned upon.
Copy from one, it's plagiarism. Copy from two, it's research.
Copying
The words to be printed or spoken in an advertisement.
Plagiarism
(uncountable) Text or other work resulting from this act.
The novel was awash in plagiarism, with entire passages lifted verbatim.
Copying
Suitable source material for journalism
Celebrities make good copy.
Plagiarism
(countable) The instance of plagiarism.
Copying
To make a reproduction or copy of
Copied the note letter for letter.
Copied the file to a disk.
Plagiarism
The act or practice of plagiarizing.
Copying
To follow as a model or pattern; imitate.
Plagiarism
That which is plagiarized; a work which has been plagiarized.
Copying
To include as an additional recipient of a written communication
Please copy me when you reply to her.
Plagiarism
A piece of writing that has been copied from someone else and is presented as being your own work
Copying
To make a copy or copies.
Plagiarism
The act of plagiarizing; taking someone's words or ideas as if they were your own
Copying
To admit of being copied
Colored ink that does not copy well.
Copying
To hear clearly or understand something said by radio communication
Mayday. Do you copy?.
Copying
Present participle of copy
Copying
(countable) an instance of the making of a copy
Copying
(uncountable) the practice of making one or more copies
Copying
An act of copying
Copying
Imitating a form or style.
The artist was copying the techniques of the masters.
Copying
Creating a facsimile of an item.
Copying the document was necessary for the meeting.
FAQs
What are the consequences of Copying?
Copying can vary from harmless to punishable, depending on intent and context.
What is Copying?
Copying is the act of duplicating content, whether textual, visual, or behavioral.
How do Plagiarism and Copying differ?
Plagiarism involves deceit and claiming ownership, while copying doesn't necessarily imply deceit.
Is Plagiarism always illegal?
Not always, but it often violates academic or professional ethics and can carry legal consequences.
What is Plagiarism?
Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's work and presenting it as your own.
Is Copying always unethical?
No, copying can be benign or even encouraged in some contexts.
What verbs often accompany Copying?
Verbs like "is," "are," or "was" are often used with copying ("He is copying").
What verbs often accompany Plagiarism?
"Commit" is often used with plagiarism ("commit plagiarism").
Can Copying become Plagiarism?
Yes, if copying is done with the intent to deceive and claim ownership.
Is Plagiarism only text-based?
No, plagiarism can also involve images, ideas, music, and other forms of content.
What are some examples of Plagiarism?
Academic papers, copyrighted text, and replicated artwork can be examples of plagiarism.
What are the consequences of Plagiarism?
Plagiarism can lead to academic penalties, job loss, and legal consequences.
What are some examples of Copying?
Photocopying, note-taking, and replicating a painting for practice are examples of copying.
Are there tools to detect Plagiarism?
Yes, there are specialized software tools designed to detect plagiarism.
Is Copying ever permissible?
In some cases, like note-taking or learning, copying is permissible and even encouraged.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
