ascribe

One entry found for ascribe.

Main Entry: as·cribe
Pronunciation: &-'skrIb
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): as·cribed; as·crib·ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin ascribere, from ad- + scribere to write -- more at SCRIBE
: to refer to a supposed cause, source, or author
- as·crib·able /-'skrI-b&-b&l/ adjective
synonyms ASCRIBE, ATTRIBUTE, ASSIGN, IMPUTE, CREDIT mean to lay something to the account of a person or thing. ASCRIBE suggests an inferring or conjecturing of cause, quality, authorship <forged paintings formerly ascribed to masters>. ATTRIBUTE suggests less tentativeness than ASCRIBE, less definiteness than ASSIGN <attributed to Rembrandt but possibly done by an associate>. ASSIGN implies ascribing with certainty or after deliberation <assigned the bones to the Cretaceous period>. IMPUTE suggests ascribing something that brings discredit by way of accusation or blame <tried to impute sinister motives to my actions>. CREDIT implies ascribing a thing or especially an action to a person or other thing as its agent, source, or explanation <credited his teammates for his success>.