attribute (something) to (someone or something)

idiom

1

: to say that (something) is because of (someone or something)

He attributes his success to his coach.

His doctor attributes his health problems to a poor diet and a lack of exercise.

2

: to think of (something) as being a quality of (someone or something)

The study suggests that it is a mistake to attribute adult reasoning to children.

Is it right to attribute complex emotions to animals?

She attributed some importance to the research.

3

: to think of (something) as being made or created by (someone)

The poem is usually attributed to Shakespeare, but some scholars doubt that he wrote it.

Examples of attribute (something) to (someone or something) in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That’s less than half as many as in 2000, which experts attribute to greater public awareness of thunderstorm risks and what to do when a storm is approaching. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 23 July 2025

All of this adds to the confusion and chaos within this federal agency, where key leaders with extensive experience in emergency management have either been pushed out or left, which many attribute to the slow response to the flood disaster. —Rick Pozniak, Boston Herald, 20 July 2025

But turbot’s elevated status (which some attribute to its uniquely complex flavor and texture) comes at a premium. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 19 July 2025

Cinco de Mayo has become a de facto drinking holiday in the United States, which many scholars attribute to American brewing titans Anheuser-Busch and Miller aggressively marketing their products to Spanish-speaking audiences and sponsoring Cinco de Mayo celebrations across the nation in the 1980s. —Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 2 July 2025