Is copying dictionary definitions and using them to make money illegal?

Question

If one used dictionary definitions on their website, and used them to make money, is this a violation of copyright laws?

If they were cited on the website, would it be illegal?

Answer 1

I do not feel it is illegal if you use the definition and give the credit from where it came. If you are using the definition and not quoting the source, it would be illegal in my opinion. It is always best to give the credit for something like a definition. Most people will know that you did not create it and it would be a reflection upon you and your work. Many times people quote definitions in their writing and if they give the source of the definition it is fitting and right. Therefore it is not illegal.

I have used definitions in some of my writing but I always give the credit to the source I use. In some cases I identify the definition and create one of my own for the term. In this sense I am instilling my own feelings on what a term means. The critical point is to not change the words around and call it your own. This would be wrong.

Fair use has been mentioned in other answers. This term can be confusing as to what is fair use and what is not. I feel using a definition from a source and giving credit to that source is fair use. You must however use the words as written and not change or leave anything out. Another critical aspect would be if the source requires permission to use a definition. Definitions for words can be found in several places. How you determine who owns the original is the hard part. I would quote the source and give proper credit.

Answer 2

It really depends. Is the Dictionary in question copyrighted??? Are you using the definitions in the Dictionary as a selling factor OF THE DICTIONARY to make money - wherein you are an authorized SELLER OF THE DICTIONARY?

Is the Dictionary ... say Black's Law, or other legal dictionary and you are trying to sell documents to get someone off a fraudulently filed Causes of Actions by your local government trying to collect money from the innocent ... and you are using the definitions in a court of law WHERE CERTAIN COPYRIGHT THIEFT IS FULLY AN ACCEPTABLE PRACTICE???

In Texas, the courts use a copyrighted work called "Vernon's Annotated ..." that is a compiling of unconstitutional statutes, codes and/or etc. - THAT IS COPYRIGHTED AND THEREFORE A PRIVATE LAW - NOT PUBLIC ... but; the courts STEAL, the Attorney's STEAL and the Defendant's have to STEAL as well the copyrighted PRIVATE LAWS that are not PUBLIC AT ALL - BUT PRIVATELY OWNED WITH RIGHTS RESERVED ...

So that the Defendant can be found guilty just the same and those STEALING COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL may use such bogus claims to extort money from the innocent ... using statutes and/or etc. that were created to keep CORPORATIONS IN LINE ... not flesh and blood men, woman and child that may not be CORPORATIONS unless they submit to such a jurisdiction ...

Well - in short ... anything you do can be deemed as unlawful and in order to defend - you have to break the very law you are defending against so you can defend against a law that the judges and attorneys regularly break to pieces to find you guilty of breaking the laws they have broken ... so they can make a living at your expense.

hope this helped;

Aintmyfault

Answer 3

If you are essentially reprinting someone else's material whether it is a dictionary definition or 'War and Peace' it is plagiarism.

You have not exactly explained what you mean by "used them to make money". If this activity does not involve re-printing the definitions, you may be ok.

Answer 4

Yes.

There is something called "fair use" meaning you can copy short, attributed sections of a copyrighted work, but not large sections from it.

In your dictionary, look up "theft".

Answer 5

Yes. If they are cited, then NO.

Answer 6

i dotn see why you dont use synonyms for a few words in the definition....

Answer 7

yes sir, its illegal and its stealing other people's hard work

Answer 8

YES