Words / B1

CHEET/tʃiːt/

To cheat is to gain an unfair advantage: cheat in an exam; cheat at cards. Cheat can also be a noun (a cheat). Dishonest is the adjective. Plagiarism is a specific academic form. Do not write “cheat the exam” — use cheat in the exam. UK boards cancel papers and may ban candidates.

Meaning

To act dishonestly in order to gain an advantage, especially in a test or game.

Examples

• “Anyone who cheats in the exam will have their paper cancelled.”
• “Anyone who cheats in the exam risks cancellation of all papers.”
• “The software flagged copied code, a form of cheating in coursework.”

Good to know

cheat in an exam / at a game. Noun: a cheat. Academic: plagiarism. Not “cheat the exam”. Boards can cancel papers.

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