Attributable
/əˈtrɪbjuːtəbl/
adjectiveIntermediate📊CommonAttribution
1 meaning2 questions
Definitions
1
Able to be assigned or credited to a specific cause or source.
/əˈtrɪbjuːtəbl/
adjectiveneutralIntermediate
Attribution
Capable of being attributed.
The success of the project is attributable to the team's hard work.
💡 Simply: Something can be blamed or credited for this.
More Examples
2
The error is attributable to a software bug.
How It's Used
Science
"The increase in temperature is attributable to global warming."
Law
"The damage was attributable to negligence."
From Middle English *attributable*, from Old French *attribuable*, from Latin *attribuere* (to attribute).
The word's usage has remained consistent since its introduction, primarily in formal written contexts.
Memory tip
Think of 'attribute' - to give something to someone; 'attributable' means something *can* be given to someone.
Word Origin
LanguageLatin
Original meaning
"to give something to someone or something"
Base: attribute
attributable tolargely attributable toprimarily attributable to
Common misspellings
atributableatributeableatributtable
Practice
Usage
10%Spoken
90%Written