pirated

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "pirated" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone using or sharing material (such as music, movies, etc.) without permission, as in the following example: The movie had been illegally pirated on the internet within hours of its release.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

There had been heavy coverage of the MP3 phenomenon and of Apple, Napster and the Pirate Bay, but there had been little talk of the inventors and almost none at all of those who actually pirated the files.

The Guardian - Books

You probably don't even want a pirated DVD.

The Guardian - Travel

I pirated on an industrial scale, but told no one.

The Guardian - Books

It includes information deemed illegal by a court (such as defamation), pirated content (once we're notified by the right's holder), malware, personal information such as bank details, child sexual abuse imagery and other things prohibited by local law (such as material that glorifies Nazism in Germany).

The Guardian - Opinion

Many of the files I had pirated – perhaps even a majority of them – had originated with him.

The Guardian - Books

The heads of European record companies, meeting recently in Rome, estimated that 27% of music sold in Italy is now pirated; in southern Italy, the proportion is nearer half.EMI's new service is the industry's best shot yet at dealing with the problem.

The Economist

Around 90% of CDs sold in China each year are pirated.

The Economist

Another report published this week by Informa Media reckons pirated music sales rose in value by 2.4% in 2001 to a worldwide total of $4.3 billion.

The Economist

In the case of computer software, pirated copies of Windows may allow Microsoft to capture market-share in China.Messrs Lee and Oh examine how corruption defined as the misuse of public positions for private gain affects the economic growth of various Asian countries.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It would, for example, make it easier to shut down websites containing pirated material, or to sue pirates in foreign countries for damages.The negotiators meeting in The Hague face a near-impossible task in reconciling these different views.

The Economist

Many cable operators—small, corner-shop operations air their own channels of non-stop pirated movies.Mr Ghai is optimistic that by distributing films in digital form as well as on 35mm prints he can beat the pirates.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing digital content, use "pirated" to specifically indicate copyright infringement through unauthorized copying and distribution.

Common error

Avoid using "copied" as a direct substitute for "pirated" if the context involves copyright infringement. "Copied" is a general term, whereas "pirated" carries legal implications of illegal duplication and distribution.

Linguistic Context

The word "pirated" primarily functions as a past participle or adjective, describing something that has been illegally copied or distributed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples include "pirated content" and "pirated software".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "pirated" is a versatile term primarily used as a past participle or adjective to describe content or goods that have been illegally copied or distributed, as verified by Ludwig AI. Commonly found in News & Media contexts, it serves to denote copyright infringement. When writing, it's important to use "pirated" to specifically indicate copyright infringement. While synonyms like "illegally copied" or "counterfeit" exist, "pirated" is the most precise term for digital content. Be aware of common errors, such as using "copied" as a direct substitute if the context requires emphasis on the illegal aspect. With a high source quality score and expert rating, understanding the proper usage of "pirated" is crucial for accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

illegally copied

A more explicit way of saying "pirated", emphasizing the unlawful nature of the act.

duplicated illegally

Combines the idea of copying with the illegal aspect.

copied without permission

Directly states the act of duplicating material without authorization.

unlawfully reproduced

Focuses on the unauthorized duplication of copyrighted material.

infringed

Highlights the violation of copyright law.

counterfeit

Refers to the production or distribution of fake goods, similar to "pirated" but often applies to physical products.

unlicensed

Describes content used without the necessary legal authorization.

bootlegged

Implies the illegal creation and distribution of copies, especially of live recordings or performances.

falsely produced

Focuses on the inauthentic nature of the copy.

stolen

Emphasizes the act of taking something without permission, although "pirated" typically refers to intellectual property.

FAQs

How is "pirated" used in a sentence?

You can use "pirated" to describe copyrighted material that has been illegally copied and distributed, such as: "The movie was "illegally copied" and shared on several websites."

What is a synonym for "pirated"?

Alternatives to "pirated" include "counterfeit", "bootlegged", or "illegally copied", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "illegally downloaded" instead of "pirated"?

Yes, "illegally downloaded" can be a suitable alternative to "pirated", especially when referring to the act of obtaining copyrighted material without permission. However, "pirated" more broadly encompasses the concepts of unauthorized copying and distribution.

What's the difference between "pirated" and "counterfeit"?

"Pirated" typically refers to the unauthorized copying and distribution of digital content, while "counterfeit" usually describes fake or imitation physical goods. For example, a pirated movie versus a counterfeit designer handbag.