Ascribe: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'ascribere,' meaning 'to write to' or 'to add to.'
• In the 15th century, it began to be used in English to refer to attributing qualities or origins.

Psychology

• People often ascribe positive traits to those they admire, and negative traits to those they dislike, illustrating a psychological bias.
• Attribution theory explores how individuals interpret and understand the causes of behavior and events, connecting closely to the process of ascribing.

Literature

• In literary analysis, critics ascribe themes and meanings to texts, drawing on historical and contextual backgrounds.
• Authors often ascribe characters' motivations to specific experiences or societal influences, enriching the narrative.

Philosophy

• Philosophers debate what it means to ascribe qualities to objects or beings, raising questions about identity and essence.
• In metaphysics, ascription of properties can lead to discussions about reality and perception.

Pop Culture

• In music, fans often ascribe the success of songs to the artists' unique styles or emotional authenticity.
• Awards are ascribed to artists based on public voting or expert judging, often reflecting societal values and trends.

At position #13,148, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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• 13145 dispensation
• 13146 aspirin
• 13147 inconceivable
• 13148 ascribe
• 13149 troubling
• 13150 permanence
• 13151 brilliantly
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