attribute
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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

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

  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

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