attribution

noun

at·​tri·​bu·​tion ˌa-trə-ˈbyü-shən 

plural attributions

1

: the act of attributing something

especially : the ascribing of a work (as of literature or art) to a particular author or artist

2

: an ascribed quality, character, or right

Supernatural powers were attributions of the gods.

3

psychology : the interpretive process by which people make judgments about the causes of their own behavior and the behavior of others

Psychologists have long documented what they call the fundamental attribution error, the tendency for people to explain human behavior in terms of the traits of individual actors, even when powerful situational forces are at work.

—Erica Goode

attributional

ˌa-trə-ˈbyü-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Synonyms

• affection
• attribute
• character
• characteristic
• criterion
• diagnostic
• differentia
• feature
• fingerprint
• hallmark
• mark
• marker
• note
• particularity
• peculiarity
• point
• property
• quality
• specific
• stamp
• touch
• trait

Examples of attribution in a Sentence

a genuine respect for one another is one of the most commonly cited attributions of a happily married couple

Recent Examples on the Web

Lastly, the marketing science component around targeting effectiveness, attribution and investment allocation will become much clearer as other networks begin to adopt this shoppable journey and brands begin to adjust to the ever-changing buying habits of consumers. —Mike Villalobos, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024

Popular on Variety The alliance outlined seven key demands for AI developers, including full transparency about works used, obtaining prior authorization from creators and rightsholders, offering appropriate remuneration, and providing attribution in all cases. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Aug. 2024

The attribution algorithm considers a unique set of qualifications, such as the novelty of a claim or fact made in a report. —Sara Fischer, Axios, 6 Aug. 2024

Neither Kaspersky nor Bitdefender provided attribution for the group or what its motives are for spreading a spyware and credential-stealing app as sophisticated as Mandrake. —Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 30 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

see attribute entry 1

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Legal Definition

attribution

noun

at·​tri·​bu·​tion ˌa-trə-ˈbyü-shən 

: a rule in tax law that in certain cases deems property owned by one person or business entity to be owned by another or others