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

Tommy Lee and his wife Brittany Furlan are reportedly headed to Splitsville, due to what some attribute to his battle with alcoholism. —Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 16 May 2025

Homicides may have dropped 18% between 2023 and 2024, which some attribute to Mr. Noboa’s crackdown on gangs, but Mr. Rivera says that had more to do with the consolidation of criminal groups than with policy. —Mie Hoejris Dahl, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Apr. 2025

The Trust Paradox Organizational agility—the ability to respond quickly and effectively to changing conditions—has moved from a desirable attribute to an essential survival skill. —Nate Bennett, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

That’s again, current to today’s world and an attribute to Taylor and the way that he’s scripted it. —Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 30 Mar. 2025