Ascribed: meaning, definitions and examples

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ascribed

 

[əˈskraɪbd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

attribute quality

To ascribe something to a particular cause or source means to attribute or assign responsibility for that thing to that cause or source. It is often used in discussions where one seeks to identify the origins or reasons behind events, behaviors, or characteristics. In a broader sense, ascribing can also imply a judgment about a person or entity, linking their actions or attributes to certain qualities or circumstances. This verb is commonly found in academic, philosophical, and literary contexts, where the motivations or attributions for behavior are analyzed.

Synonyms

assign, attribute, credit, impute.

Examples of usage

  • She ascribed his success to hard work.
  • The researcher ascribed the results to previous studies.
  • They ascribed their performance issues to lack of resources.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'ascribere', meaning 'to write to' or 'to attribute'.
  • It was first used in the English language in the late 15th century, originally relating to the assignment of attributes in writing.

Psychology

  • In psychology, ascribing can relate to attributing outcomes to psychological or social phenomena, influencing how we perceive responsibility.
  • The fundamental attribution error is a concept where people tend to ascribe others' actions to their character while attributing their own actions to external factors.

Sociology

  • In sociology, ascribed status refers to a social position a person is born into, such as race, gender, or family background, affecting their life opportunities.
  • It differs from achieved status, which is earned through actions, highlighting disparities in social structure.

Literature

  • Many literary works explore themes of identity, often exploring how characters' traits or circumstances are ascribed by societal perceptions.
  • Ascribed identities can be pivotal to character development and plot progression in many classic novels and plays.

Communication

  • In effective communication, ascribing emotion or intent can clarify misunderstandings, shaping how messages are received and interpreted.
  • Ascribing value or blame is crucial in conflict resolution, helping individuals articulate their perspectives and feelings.

Translations

Translations of the word "ascribed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atribuído

🇮🇳 असाइन किया गया

🇩🇪 zugeschrieben

🇮🇩 ditugaskan

🇺🇦 призначений

🇵🇱 przypisany

🇯🇵 帰属された

🇫🇷 attribué

🇪🇸 asignado

🇹🇷 atfedilmiş

🇰🇷 귀속된

🇸🇦 منسوب

🇨🇿 přisouzený

🇸🇰 priradený

🇨🇳 归因于

🇸🇮 dodeljen

🇮🇸 einkennandi

🇰🇿 тағайындалған

🇬🇪 მინიჭებული

🇦🇿 təyin olunmuş

🇲🇽 asignado

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,914 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.