Attribute — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈa-trə-ˌbyüt/ (noun) /ə-ˈtri-ˌbyüt/ (verb) at·tri·bute

Meaning & Definition of Attribute

Attribute (noun)

  1. a quality, character, or characteristic ascribed to someone or something
  2. an object closely associated with or belonging to a specific person, thing, or office; especially, such an object used for identification in painting or sculpture
  3. a word ascribing a quality; especially, adjective

Attribute (verb)

  1. to explain (something) by indicating a cause
  2. to regard as a characteristic of a person or thing
  3. to reckon as made or originated in an indicated fashion

Attribute (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to explain (something) as being the result of something else

    "attributed the quick rescue to the well-trained police force"

    similar: accredit, ascribe, chalk up, credit, impute, lay, put down
    related: blame, charge, father (on), impute (to), pin (on), assign, refer, associate, attach, connect, link

  2. to give the reason for or cause of

    "a psychotherapist who's a little too quick to attribute every emotional problem or character defect to an unhappy childhood"

    similar: account (for), explain, explain away, rationalize
    related: condone, excuse, forgive, justify, absolve, acquit, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate

Attribute (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something that sets apart an individual from others of the same kind

    "list the attributes of a mammal"

    similar: affection, attribution, character, characteristic, criterion, diagnostic, differentia, feature, fingerprint, hallmark, mark, marker, note, particularity, peculiarity, point, property, quality, specific, stamp, touch, trait
    related: badge, indication, sign, emblem, symbol, token, charm, grace, excellence, merit, virtue, eccentricity, idiosyncrasy, oddity, quirk, individuality, singularity, uniqueness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Attribute

The most common words with a similar meaning to Attribute:

accredit, ascribe, chalk up, credit, impute, lay, put down, account (for), explain, explain away, rationalize, affection, attribution, character, characteristic, criterion, diagnostic, differentia, feature, fingerprint, hallmark, mark, marker, note, particularity, peculiarity, point, property, quality, specific, stamp, touch, trait

Related Words for Attribute

blame, charge, father (on), impute (to), pin (on), assign, refer, associate, attach, connect, link, condone, excuse, forgive, justify, absolve, acquit, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate, badge, indication, sign, emblem, symbol, token, charm, grace, excellence, merit

Word Forms of Attribute

Inflections: attributed, attributing

Derived words: attributable (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Attribute

Middle English, from Latin attributus, past participle of attribuere to attribute, from ad- + tribuere to bestow tribute

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Attribute

Words & Phrases Containing Attribute

attribute (something) to (someone or something)

Frequently Asked Questions about Attribute

What does "Attribute" mean?

"Attribute" means a quality, character, or characteristic ascribed to someone or something. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a quality, character, or characteristic ascribed to someone or something. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Attribute"?

Other words for "Attribute" include accredit, ascribe, chalk up, credit, impute, lay, put down and account (for). The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Attribute" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Attribute"?

There are 71 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Attribute". Common alternatives include accredit, ascribe, chalk up, credit, impute, lay, put down, account (for), explain and explain away.

How do you use "Attribute" in a sentence?

Examples of "Attribute" in a sentence: "attributed the quick rescue to the well-trained police force"; "a psychotherapist who's a little too quick to attribute every emotional problem or character defect to an unhappy childhood"; "list the attributes of a mammal".

Is "Attribute" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Attribute" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Attribute" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Attribute" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Attribute"?

"Attribute" is pronounced /ˈa-trə-ˌbyüt/ as a noun and /ə-ˈtri-ˌbyüt/ as a verb and divided into syllables as at·tri·bute.

What is the origin of the word "Attribute"?

"Attribute" comes from Middle English, from Latin attributus, past participle of attribuere to attribute, from ad- + tribuere to bestow tribute. First known use: 15th century.