attribute
To believe or claim that something is the result of a particular cause. It is also used to state that a specific person is the creator of a work, such as a painting or a piece of writing.
Examples
3 of 5I attribute my energy today to the eight hours of sleep I got last night.
I attribute my energy today to the eight hours of sleep I got last night.
The manuscript is widely attributed to a 14th-century monk.
The manuscript is widely attributed to a 14th-century monk.
Don't attribute your bad mood to me; I haven't done anything!
Don't attribute your bad mood to me; I haven't done anything!
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'A Tribute.' When you attribute success to someone, you are giving them a 'tribute' or credit for what they did.
Quick Quiz
The sudden increase in sales was _________ to the viral marketing campaign on social media.
Correct!
The correct answer is: attributed
Examples
I attribute my energy today to the eight hours of sleep I got last night.
everydayI attribute my energy today to the eight hours of sleep I got last night.
The manuscript is widely attributed to a 14th-century monk.
formalThe manuscript is widely attributed to a 14th-century monk.
Don't attribute your bad mood to me; I haven't done anything!
informalDon't attribute your bad mood to me; I haven't done anything!
Researchers attribute the decline in the bird population to habitat loss.
academicResearchers attribute the decline in the bird population to habitat loss.
The CEO attributed the company's record profits to the new efficiency measures.
businessThe CEO attributed the company's record profits to the new efficiency measures.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
be attributed to
to be caused by or created by
attribute a motive
to suggest a reason why someone did something
wrongly attributed
incorrectly credited to someone
Often Confused With
To attribute is to assign a cause (A happened because of B); to contribute is to give or help cause something (A helped make B happen).
As a verb, the stress is on the second syllable (at-TRIB-ute). As a noun meaning 'characteristic,' the stress is on the first (AT-tri-bute).
Usage Notes
Always use the preposition 'to' after the verb attribute. It is very common in academic writing when discussing the results of a study or the history of an artifact.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'attribute for' or 'attribute with,' but the only correct preposition is 'to.'
Memory Tip
Think of 'A Tribute.' When you attribute success to someone, you are giving them a 'tribute' or credit for what they did.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'attributus', the past participle of 'attribuere', meaning to assign, allot, or bestow.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Western academic and legal contexts, the correct attribution of ideas and quotes is strictly enforced to avoid plagiarism.
Quick Quiz
The sudden increase in sales was _________ to the viral marketing campaign on social media.
Correct!
The correct answer is: attributed
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
majority
C1The greater number or part of a whole, specifically more than half of a total amount or group. It is often used in political or statistical contexts to describe a group that holds the most power or influence.
method
C1A systematic, logical, and established procedure for accomplishing a task or conducting research. It implies a structured series of steps designed to achieve a specific result or to gain knowledge in a disciplined manner.
occurrence
C1An occurrence refers to an instance or event where something happens or exists. In a broader sense, it can also describe the frequency or prevalence of a particular phenomenon within a specific context or dataset.
percentage
C2A percentage is a rate, number, or amount in each hundred, used to express a proportion or ratio relative to a whole. In academic contexts, it specifically refers to the quantitative measurement of a subset compared to the total population or data set.
inspect
B2To examine something closely and officially to check its condition, quality, or compliance with standards. It involves a systematic and careful look to identify flaws or ensure everything is as it should be.
periodic
C2In an academic or library context, a periodic refers to a publication that is issued at regular intervals, such as a scholarly journal, magazine, or newsletter. It is characterized by its recurring nature and is often archived in series to track the development of research or news over time.
principle
B2A principle is a fundamental truth, law, or rule that serves as the foundation for a system of belief, behavior, or reasoning. It can also refer to a personal code of conduct that guides how an individual chooses to act in various situations.
percent
C1A mathematical term representing a ratio or proportion out of one hundred. It is used extensively to describe changes, statistics, and probabilities in academic and professional contexts.
requirement
C1A thing that is needed or wanted; a condition that must be met in order to achieve a specific goal or comply with a rule. In formal and academic settings, it often refers to a compulsory qualification or a mandatory standard of performance.
respond
B2To say or write something as a reply to a question, statement, or letter, or to react to something by taking action. In academic contexts, it often refers to how an organism, system, or person reacts to a specific stimulus or event.
Comments (0)
Login to CommentStart learning languages for free
Start Learning Free