C1verb2K

Attribute

UK /["/əˈtrɪbjuːt/","/əˈtrɪbjuːts/","/əˈtrɪbjuːtɪd/","/əˈtrɪbjuːtɪŋ/"]/US /["/əˈtrɪbjuːt/","/əˈtrɪbjuːts/","/əˈtrɪbjuːtɪd/","/əˈtrɪbjuːtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to say or believe that something is the result of a particular thing

In simple words: A quality or feature of someone or something.

Examples

  • She attributes her success to hard work and a little luck.
  • The power failure was attributed to the recent storms and high winds.
  • This play is usually attributed to Shakespeare.
  • a quote that has often been falsely attributed to George Patton
  • The committee refused to **attribute blame** without further information.
  • Ancient peoples attributed magical properties to the stones.
  • The goals commonly attributed to management are status, power, salary and security.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal writing, it's often used in academic and professional settings. Avoid using it when speaking casually; instead, simpler words like 'feature' might fit better.

Grammar pattern

attribute + object

Memory hint

Think of 'a-tribute' like a tribute to a unique quality.

Collocations

  • directly
  • solely
  • largely
  • to
  • be commonly attributed to
  • be generally attributed to
  • be usually attributed to
  • directly
  • solely
  • largely
  • to
  • be commonly attributed to
  • be generally attributed to
  • be usually attributed to

Synonyms

  • characteristic
  • feature
  • trait
  • quality
  • aspect

Antonyms

  • disqualification
  • lack
  • deficiency

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'attribution' which relates to crediting sources.
  • Misusing 'attribute' as a verb instead of a noun.
  • Omitting the correct preposition; remember to say 'attribute something to someone.'