Attributes
/ˈætrɪbjuːts/
Definitions
2 meaningsA quality, characteristic, or feature inherent to something.
/ˈætrɪbjuːts/
A quality or feature regarded as a characteristic or inherent part of someone or something.
The car's best attributes are its fuel efficiency and safety features.
💡 Simply: Things that describe something.
More Examples
Patience is a valuable attribute in a teacher.
How It's Used
"The software has several key attributes, including speed and reliability."
"One of his best attributes is his kindness."
To assign or credit to a cause or source.
/əˈtrɪbjuːt/
To regard something as being caused by someone or something.
The discovery was attributed to the tireless efforts of the research team.
💡 Simply: To say something is caused by something else.
More Examples
She attributed her success to hard work and determination.
How It's Used
"Historians attribute the fall of the Roman Empire to several factors."
"Scientists attribute the warming climate to human activity."
From Latin *attributum*, past participle of *attribuere* "to assign, ascribe," from *ad-* "to" + *tribuere* "to assign, bestow."
The word 'attributes' has maintained a consistent meaning throughout history, focusing on qualities or characteristics.
Memory tip
Think of 'attributing' something to someone; those things are their attributes.