What is plagiarism?

Plagiarism is defined as the act of taking someone else's work, ideas, or intellectual property and presenting it as one's own without proper acknowledgment. This encompasses not only copying text verbatim but also paraphrasing someone else's thoughts or insights without giving credit. By choosing the correct answer, it highlights the unethical nature of this practice in academic and professional contexts, where transparency and originality are crucial.

Using someone else's ideas with permission falls outside of the definition of plagiarism as obtaining permission to use the material typically involves proper acknowledgment. Revising a friend's essay does not constitute plagiarism as long as the original author retains credit for their ideas. Providing proper citations in research is a practice intended to avoid plagiarism by giving credit to original sources, thereby showcasing ethical research behavior. Understanding these nuances helps in distinguishing between original work and acts of plagiarism, emphasizing the importance of integrity in writing and scholarship.