Attributed
/ˈætrɪbjuːtɪd/
verbIntermediateCommonGeneral
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
To ascribe something to a cause or source.
/ˈætrɪbjuːtɪd/
verbneutralIntermediate
General
To regard something as being caused by someone or something.
The painting was attributed to a little-known artist.
💡 Simply: To say something is caused by something else.
More Examples
2
His success was attributed to his hard work and determination.
How It's Used
Academic Writing
"The discovery was attributed to the tireless efforts of the research team."
History
"Many great works of art were initially attributed to the wrong artists."
From Middle English *attributed*, from Old French *attribuer* (to attribute), from Latin *attribuere* (to assign, allot), from *ad-* (to) + *tribuere* (to give, assign).
The word 'attributed' has been used in similar ways throughout history, focusing on assigning causality or authorship.
Memory tip
Think of 'ributing' as giving or assigning something.
Practice
Base: attribute
atributedatributtedatributeed
Usage
30%Spoken
70%Written