First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1attribute
noun at·tri·bute \ˈa-trə-ˌbyüt\
: a usually good quality or feature that someone or something has
Full Definition of ATTRIBUTE
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
See attribute defined for English-language learners
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Examples of ATTRIBUTE
- The interviewer asked me what I consider to be my best attribute.
- Both candidates possess the attributes we want in a leader.
Origin of ATTRIBUTE
Middle English, from Latin attributus, past participle of attribuere to attribute, from ad- + tribuere to bestow — more at tribute
Related to ATTRIBUTE
- Synonyms
- affection, characteristic, attribution, character, criterion, diagnostic, differentia, feature, fingerprint, hallmark, mark, marker, note, particularity, peculiarity, point, property, quality, specific, stamp, touch, trait
Synonym Discussion of ATTRIBUTE
quality, property, character, attribute mean an intelligible feature by which a thing may be identified. quality is a general term applicable to any trait or characteristic whether individual or generic <material with a silky quality>. property implies a characteristic that belongs to a thing's essential nature and may be used to describe a type or species <the property of not conducting heat>. character applies to a peculiar and distinctive quality of a thing or a class <remarks of an unseemly character>. attribute implies a quality ascribed to a thing or a being <the attributes of a military hero>.
Rhymes with ATTRIBUTE
absolute, Aleut, arrowroot, Asyût, autoroute, bandicoot, bathing suit, birthday suit, bitterroot, bodysuit, boilersuit, bumbershoot, business suit, comminute, constitute, contribute, convolute, destitute, disrepute, dissolute, execute, follow suit, gingerroot, hot pursuit, institute, involute, kiwifruit, leisure suit, malamute, overshoot, parachute, passion fruit, persecute, point-and-shoot, prosecute, prostitute, qiviut, resolute, restitute, revolute, run-and-shoot, rural route, subacute, substitute, troubleshoot, undershoot
2attribute
verb at·trib·ute \ə-ˈtri-ˌbyüt, -byət\
at·trib·ut·edat·trib·ut·ing
Definition of ATTRIBUTE
transitive verb
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
— at·trib·ut·able \-byü-tə-bəl, -byə-\ adjective
See attribute defined for English-language learners
Examples of ATTRIBUTE
- <attributed the quick rescue to the well-trained police force>
- <a psychotherapist who's a little too quick to attribute every emotional problem or character defect to an unhappy childhood>
First Known Use of ATTRIBUTE
1530
Synonym Discussion of ATTRIBUTE
ascribe, attribute, assign, impute, credit mean to lay something to the account of a person or thing. ascribe suggests an inferring or conjecturing of cause, quality, authorship <forged paintings formerly ascribed to masters>. attribute suggests less tentativeness than ascribe , less definiteness than assign <attributed to Rembrandt but possibly done by an associate>. assign implies ascribing with certainty or after deliberation <assigned the bones to the Cretaceous period>. impute suggests ascribing something that brings discredit by way of accusation or blame <tried to impute sinister motives to my actions>. credit implies ascribing a thing or especially an action to a person or other thing as its agent, source, or explanation <credited his teammates for his success>.
ATTRIBUTE Defined for Kids
1attribute
noun at·tri·bute \ˈa-trə-ˌbyüt\
Definition of ATTRIBUTE for Kids
: a quality belonging to a particular person or thing <Patience is a good attribute for a teacher.>
2attribute
verb at·trib·ute \ə-ˈtri-byət\
at·trib·ut·edat·trib·ut·ing
Definition of ATTRIBUTE for Kids
1
: to explain as the cause of <We attribute their success to hard work.>
2
: to think of as likely to be a quality of a person or thing <Some people attribute stubbornness to mules.>
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