English · Word Candidate

attribute

/ˈæt.ɹɪ.bjuːt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: attributes · attributing

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A characteristic or quality of a thing.

Noun

Examples

His finest attribute is his kindness.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

An object that is considered typical of someone or some function, in particular as an artistic convention.

Noun

Examples

The eagle and the bolt of lightning are attributes of Jove.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To ascribe (something) to a given cause, reason etc.; to affix.

Verb

Examples

For as this is the liquor of modern historians, nay, perhaps their muse, if we may believe the opinion of Butler, who attributes inspiration to ale, it ought likewise to be the potation of their readers, since every book ought to be read with the same spirit and in the same manner as it is writ.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To associate ownership or authorship of (something) to someone.

Verb

Examples

This poem is attributed to Browning.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “attribute” mean?

A characteristic or quality of a thing.

Is “attribute” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.