I. at·tri·bute ˈa-trə-ˌbyüt noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin attributus, past participle of attribuere to attribute, from ad- + tribuere to bestow — more at tribute
Date: 14th century
1. : an inherent characteristic ; also : an accidental quality
2. : an object closely associated with or belonging to a specific person, thing, or office
a scepter is the attribute of power
especially : such an object used for identification in painting or sculpture
3. : a word ascribing a quality ; especially : adjective
Synonyms: see quality
II. at·trib·ute ə-ˈtri-ˌbyüt, -byət transitive verb
( -ut·ed ; -ut·ing )
Date: 1530
1. : to explain by indicating a cause
attributed his success to his coach
2.
a. : to regard as a characteristic of a person or thing
b. : to reckon as made or originated in an indicated fashion
attributed the invention to a Russian
c. : classify , designate
Synonyms: see ascribe
• at·trib·ut·able -byü-tə-bəl, -byə- adjective