attribute

¹at·tri·bute

noun \ˈa-trə-ˌbyüt\

Definition of ATTRIBUTE

1

: an inherent characteristic; also : an accidental quality

2

: an object closely associated with or belonging to a specific person, thing, or office <a scepter is the attribute of power>; especially : such an object used for identification in painting or sculpture

3

: a word ascribing a quality; especially : adjective

Examples of ATTRIBUTE

1. The interviewer asked me what I consider to be my best attribute.
2. Both candidates possess the attributes we want in a leader.

Origin of ATTRIBUTE

Middle English, from Latin attributus, past participle of attribuere to attribute, from ad- + tribuere to bestow — more at tribute

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ATTRIBUTE

Synonyms: affection, characteristic, attribution, character, criterion, diagnostic, differentia, feature, fingerprint, hallmark, mark, marker, note, particularity, peculiarity, point, property, quality, specific, stamp, touch, trait

Related Words: badge, indication, sign; emblem, symbol, token; charm, grace; excellence, merit, virtue; eccentricity, idiosyncrasy, oddity, quirk; individuality, singularity, uniqueness

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See Synonym Discussion at quality

Rhymes with ATTRIBUTE

absolute, Aleut, arrowroot, Asyût, autoroute, bandicoot, bathing suit, birthday suit, bitterroot, bodysuit, boilersuit, bumbershoot, business suit, comminute, constitute, contribute, convolute, destitute, disrepute, dissolute, execute, follow suit, gingerroot, hot pursuit, institute, involute, kiwifruit, leisure suit, malamute, overshoot, parachute, passion fruit, persecute, point-and-shoot, prosecute, prostitute, qiviut, resolute, restitute, revolute, run-and-shoot, rural route, subacute, substitute, troubleshoot, undershoot