attribution

noun

at·tri·bu·tion | \ ˌa-trə-ˈbyü-shən

plural attributions

Definition of attribution

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

Other Words from attribution Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About attribution

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 Measurement looks at data for things like attribution, attentiveness, ad exposure and business outcomes. — Brad Adgate, Forbes, 25 Apr. 2022 The Monday edition of Data Sheet omitted the first name and title of NFTfi founder and CEO Stephen Young in the attribution of a quote. — Jacob Carpenter, Fortune, 15 Mar. 2022 The announcement was the most pointed attribution of responsibility for the cyber intrusions. — chicagotribune.com, 18 Feb. 2022 The announcement was the most pointed attribution of responsibility for the cyber intrusions. — Anchorage Daily News, 18 Feb. 2022 Things like copying the aesthetics of musicians such as Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion without giving them attribution or linking it to their lives. — Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2022 This story has been updated to correct the attribution on the first partial quote about fighting to the end to Ukraine’s prime minister, not president. — Yuras Karmanau, ajc, 18 Apr. 2022 The Experts Panel intentionally did not focus on attribution, or who might be behind any coordinated effort to sicken or injure U.S. employees, U.S. intelligence officials said. — Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 2 Feb. 2022 The drug likely won’t be recommended for pregnant women, Kyodo News reported Tuesday, without giving attribution. — Kanoko Matsuyama, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'attribution.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.