Attributed – Definition & Meaning

The word “attributed” is a common term used in everyday language. It is often used to describe the source or origin of something, such as a quote or idea. Understanding the meaning and usage of this word is important in order to communicate effectively and accurately. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning in different dictionaries, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences of “attributed”.

Definitions

The word “attributed” is the past tense of the verb “attribute”. According to Merriam-Webster, to attribute means “to explain by indicating a cause” or “to regard as resulting from a specified cause”. In simpler terms, it means to give credit or assign responsibility for something.

Origin

The word “attribute” comes from the Latin word “attributus”, which means “assigned” or “ascribed”. It was first used in English in the 14th century.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “attribute” means “to regard something as being caused by someone or something”. The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “to say or think that something is the result or work of something or someone else”. In the Collins Dictionary, it is defined as “to regard as belonging (to), produced (by), or resulting (from) a specified person or thing”.

Associations

The word “attributed” is often associated with the idea of giving credit or assigning responsibility. It is commonly used in academic writing, where authors must cite their sources and give credit to those who have influenced their work. It is also used in journalism, where reporters must attribute quotes and information to their sources.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of “attributed” include ascribed, credited, assigned, imputed, and referred.

Antonyms

Some antonyms of “attributed” include denied, disclaimed, and repudiated.

The same root words

The word “attribute” is derived from the Latin word “attributus”, which is also the root word for other English words such as “attribute”, “attribution”, and “attributable”.

Example Sentences

1. The success of the project was attributed to the hard work of the team.
2. The quote was wrongly attributed to Shakespeare.
3. The cause of the problem was attributed to a software glitch.
4. The discovery was attributed to a stroke of luck.
5. The painting was attributed to a famous artist, but later turned out to be a forgery.