Attributing Meaning in English
word · lemma: attribute
Definition
Assigning a cause, source, or characteristic to someone or something; saying that someone or something is responsible for something.
Usage & Nuances
Used mostly in formal, academic, or analytical contexts. Common phrases: 'attributing success to hard work,' 'attributing a quote to someone.' Not used for giving physical objects but for assigning causes, reasons, or qualities.
Example Sentences
She is attributing her good grades to hard work.
basic
Many people are attributing climate change to human activity.
basic
He is attributing his mistake to lack of sleep.
basic
People keep attributing strange noises in the house to ghosts.
natural
Instead of taking responsibility, he’s always attributing problems to others.
natural
Are you attributing that quote to the right person?
natural