attribute (something) to (someone or something)

phrase

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.