attribute
What does "attribute" mean?
To "attribute" something means to regard it as being caused by, created by, or belonging to a specific person, thing, or source. Think of it as drawing an invisible line from a result back to its origin; you are identifying the "who" or "what" behind a particular outcome. In usage, this word is often used in academic or professional contexts to assign credit or blame. It is frequently followed by the preposition "to" (e.g., "attribute success to hard work"). It can also function as a noun (pronounced differently), referring to a quality or feature that is characteristic of someone or something.
"attribute" in conversation
Discussing a project success
We hit all our goals this quarter.
We hit all our goals this quarter.
I attribute that success to the new marketing strategy.
I attribute that success to the new marketing strategy.
Shows how to assign credit for a positive result.
Analyzing a painting
This brushwork is quite unique.
This brushwork is quite unique.
Indeed, experts attribute this piece to a student of Da Vinci.
Indeed, experts attribute this piece to a student of Da Vinci.
Shows the usage of identifying the creator of a work.
"attribute" in a sentence
She attributes her good health to regular exercise.
She attributes her good health to regular exercise.
The company attributes the drop in sales to the recent economic downturn.
The company attributes the drop in sales to the recent economic downturn.
Many historians attribute the decline of the empire to a combination of internal corruption and external invasions.
Many historians attribute the decline of the empire to a combination of internal corruption and external invasions.
