attribute
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.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
See Examples of ATTRIBUTE
- The interviewer asked me what I consider to be my best attribute.
- 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
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
2at·trib·ute
transitive verb \ə-ˈtri-ˌbyüt, -byət\at·trib·ut·edat·trib·ut·ing
Definition of ATTRIBUTE
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
- <attributed the quick rescue to the well-trained police force>
- <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
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