attribute

²at·trib·ute

verb \ə-ˈtri-ˌbyüt, -byət\

at·trib·ut·edat·trib·ut·ing

Definition of ATTRIBUTE

transitive verb

1

: to explain by indicating a cause <attributed his success to his coach>

2

a : to regard as a characteristic of a person or thing b : to reckon as made or originated in an indicated fashion <attributed the invention to a Russian> c : classify, designate

— at·trib·ut·able \-byü-tə-bəl, -byə-\ adjective

Examples of ATTRIBUTE

1. <attributed the quick rescue to the well-trained police force>
2. <a psychotherapist who's a little too quick to attribute every emotional problem or character defect to an unhappy childhood>

First Known Use of ATTRIBUTE

1530

Related to ATTRIBUTE

Synonyms: accredit, ascribe, credit, chalk up, impute, lay, put down

Related Words: blame, charge, father (on), impute (to), pin (on); assign, refer; associate, attach, connect, link

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See Synonym Discussion at ascribe