attribute Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a construct whereby objects or individuals can be distinguished
    property; dimension.
    • self-confidence is not an endearing property
  2. noun an abstraction belonging to or characteristic of an entity
  3. verb attribute or credit to
    ascribe; impute; assign.
    • We attributed this quotation to Shakespeare
    • People impute great cleverness to cats
  4. verb decide as to where something belongs in a scheme
    assign.
    • The biologist assigned the mushroom to the proper class

WordNet

At*trib"ute transitive verb
Etymology
L. attributus, p. p. of attribuere; ad + tribuere to bestow. See Tribute.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Attributed; present participle & verbal noun Attributing
Definitions
  1. To ascribe; to consider (something) as due or appropriate (to); to refer, as an effect to a cause; to impute; to assign; to consider as belonging (to).
    We attribute nothing to God that hath any repugnancy or contradiction in it. Abp. Tillotson.
    The merit of service is seldom attributed to the true and exact performer. Shak.
    Syn. -- See Ascribe.
At"tri*bute noun
Etymology
L. attributum.
Definitions
  1. That which is attributed; a quality which is considered as belonging to, or inherent in, a person or thing; an essential or necessary property or characteristic.
    But mercy is above this sceptered away; . . . It is an attribute to God himself. Shak.
  2. Reputation. Poetic Shak.
  3. (Paint. & Sculp.) A conventional symbol of office, character, or identity, added to any particular figure; as, a club is the attribute of Hercules.
  4. (Gram.) Quality, etc., denoted by an attributive; an attributive adjunct or adjective.

Webster 1913