WordGarden.ioattribute
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /əˈtrɪb.juːt/transitiveverb
US
- /ˈætrəbˌjut/
Meanings
Noun
a quality, feature, or characteristic of someone or something
in computing or markup, a named property or setting attached to an element, object, field, or similar item
in grammar, a word or phrase that attributes a quality to a noun or subject
Verb
to regard something as being caused by, coming from, or belonging to a particular source
Beyond the definition
An attribute is a quality or characteristic that describes someone or something. We all have attributes—like being kind, funny, or intelligent. However, the word shifts meaning when used as a verb. You can attribute success to hard work, meaning you believe hard work caused the success. Think of it as identifying the source. A detective might attribute a clue to a specific suspect based on evidence.
Attributes aren't just for people. A shiny red color is an attribute of a fire truck. The ability to float is an attribute of a boat. When you attribute something to someone, you are assigning credit or causation. For example, if you quote a famous line, you are attributing those words to the author who wrote them.
The word "attribute" has two main meanings: as a noun, it refers to a quality, characteristic, or inherent part of someone or something; and as a verb, it means to regard something as being caused by or belonging to someone. It's about what defines things and how we understand their origins.
As a noun, an attribute is a distinguishing feature. For example: "Patience is a valuable attribute in a teacher," or "The car's most important attributes are its safety features and fuel efficiency." These qualities help define the person or thing being described.
As a verb, to attribute something means to believe it's caused by a particular person or thing. "Scientists attribute the rise in sea levels to global warming." This implies a connection between cause and effect. You might also attribute success to luck, hard work, or good timing. It's about assigning responsibility or origin.
The word comes from Latin, meaning "to assign" or "to ascribe." Think of an art historian attributing a painting to a famous master—they're claiming it belongs to that artist based on style and evidence.
So whether you're describing what makes something unique (as a noun) or explaining why something happened (as a verb), "attribute" is all about qualities, characteristics, and the connections we make between them.
Examples
- 1
Personal quality
Patience is one of her best attributes.
- 2
Product feature
The phone’s best attribute is its long battery life.
- 3
Workplace skills
Leadership and clear communication are important attributes in a manager.
- 4
Cause
She attributes her confidence to years of practice.
- Patternattribute + result/quality to + cause
think it was caused by that thing
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Quote source
Some people attribute the quote to Mark Twain, but no one is completely sure.
- Patternattribute + quote/work to + person
say that person said or wrote it
- 6
Reported cause
The drop in sales was partly attributed to bad weather.
- Patternbe attributed to + cause
be explained as caused by it
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
- attribute verb
Used with (collocations)
- personal attributes
- key attributes
- physical attributes
- attribute of
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- attributenounverb
Forms
- attributedpast tenseverbnoun
- attributespluralnounverb
- attributing-ing formverbnoun