Plagiarise vs. Plagiarize — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 22, 2024
"Plagiarise" and "plagiarize" are the same verb with different spellings, while "plagiarise" is preferred in British English, while "plagiarize" is used in American English.
Difference Between Plagiarise and Plagiarize
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Plagiarise" is the spelling commonly used in British English, adhering to other British spellings that end in "-ise." On the other hand, "plagiarize" follows the American English convention of ending similar verbs with "-ize."
Both terms refer to the act of copying someone else’s work and presenting it as one's own without proper attribution. However, "plagiarise" might be seen in countries that follow British English norms such as the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, whereas "plagiarize" is prevalent in the United States.
When it comes to academic and professional settings, both terms carry the same implications and are treated with equivalent seriousness. The difference in spelling does not affect the definition or the legality of the act.
In literature and media, the usage of either term can signify the intended audience or origin of the material. For instance, a paper published by a British university is likely to use "plagiarise," while an American publication will use "plagiarize."
Regardless of spelling, the actions described by both "plagiarise" and "plagiarize" are discouraged in educational and professional environments due to ethical considerations and legal implications.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling
British English
American English
Usage Examples
UK, Australia, New Zealand
USA
Academic Treatment
Serious academic misconduct
Serious academic misconduct
Legal Ramifications
Legal and ethical issues identical
Legal and ethical issues identical
Commonality in Media
Common in British publications
Common in American publications
Compare with Definitions
Plagiarise
Acts of using another's intellectual property without permission.
She was accused of attempting to plagiarise a famous author’s writing style.
Plagiarize
The act of stealing someone’s original idea or written work.
He was reprimanded for attempting to plagiarize a colleague’s report.
Plagiarise
To copy the work of another and pass it off as one’s own.
The student was caught trying to plagiarise parts of his essay from various internet sources.
Plagiarize
Prevalent in American educational and legal discussions.
American colleges use plagiarism detection software to catch students who plagiarize.
Plagiarise
Commonly seen in academic settings within countries using British spelling.
Universities in the UK rigorously check for instances of plagiarise in students' submissions.
Plagiarize
Often involves copying text, media, or music without acknowledgment.
The songwriter sued another artist for attempting to plagiarize his music.
Plagiarise
Requires citations to avoid ethical breaches.
Proper citation is crucial to avoid any accusations of plagiarise.
Plagiarize
Avoided by using quotes and references.
To not plagiarize, always use quotations and credit the original author.
Plagiarise
Seen negatively in professional environments.
Journalists who plagiarise risk losing their credibility and jobs.
Plagiarize
Considered unethical and punishable in professional fields.
Plagiarize in journalistic work can lead to severe professional consequences.
Plagiarise
Alternative spelling of plagiarize
Plagiarize
Take (the work or an idea of someone else) and pass it off as one's own
He was fined $6,000 for having plagiarized the song
Plagiarise
Take without referencing from someone else's writing or speech; of intellectual property
Plagiarize
To reproduce or otherwise use (the words, ideas, or other work of another) as one's own or without attribution.
Plagiarize
To plagiarize the words, ideas, or work of (another person).
Plagiarize
To present another's words or ideas as one's own or without attribution.
Plagiarize
(ambitransitive) To use, and pass off as one's own, someone else's writing, speech, ideas, or other intellectual or creative work, especially in an academic context; to commit plagiarism.
Plagiarize
To steal or purloin from the writings of another; to appropriate without due acknowledgement (the ideas or expressions of another).
Plagiarize
Take without referencing from someone else's writing or speech; of intellectual property
Common Curiosities
How can I avoid committing plagiarism?
Always credit the original creator and use proper citations when using someone else's work.
What are some tools to check for plagiarism?
Tools like Turnitin and Grammarly offer plagiarism checking services.
Can using the wrong form of the word affect my academic paper?
While not typically impactful on the grading, using the consistent form of English expected by the institution is advised.
Does plagiarism include images and ideas, or just text?
Plagiarism can include text, images, ideas, and any other form of intellectual property.
Are the consequences of plagiarising different in the UK compared to the US?
No, the academic and legal consequences of plagiarism are similar in both regions.
How is plagiarism detected in professional writing?
Editors and plagiarism detection software can identify copied content before publication.
What is the difference between plagiarise and plagiarize?
The difference is purely in spelling; "plagiarise" is British English and "plagiarize" is American English.
Why are there different spellings?
Variations in spelling reflect historical and regional differences in the English language.
Is one spelling more correct than the other?
Neither spelling is more correct; it depends on the form of English you are using.
How can educators teach students to avoid plagiarism?
Educators can teach proper research and citation practices to help students understand how to give credit.
What should I do if I suspect someone has plagiarized my work?
You may want to consult a legal expert or contact the person's institution or employer to report the issue.
Can plagiarism be accidental?
Yes, accidental plagiarism can occur, often due to negligence or lack of understanding about citation requirements.
What are the ethical implications of plagiarism?
Plagiarism is considered unethical as it involves deceit and misrepresentation of originality.
Does changing a few words of a text avoid plagiarism?
Merely changing words does not prevent plagiarism if the original ideas or structure are copied without credit.
What legal actions can be taken against someone who plagiarizes?
Legal actions can include lawsuits for copyright infringement or punitive measures from academic institutions.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
