Ascribing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
ascribing
[ษหskrสษชbษชล ]
Definitions
in a sentence
Attribute something to (a cause).
Synonyms
assign, attribute, credit, impute.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| attribute |
Often used in formal contexts to indicate that something is thought to be the result of a specific cause or reason. It is generally neutral.
|
| assign |
Commonly used in both formal and informal settings to indicate that a particular responsibility or task is given to someone. It can also be used to show that a certain meaning or value is given to something.
|
| credit |
Used in both formal and informal contexts to show recognition or praise for something good. It is generally positive in tone.
|
| impute |
Primarily used in formal contexts, often with a negative connotation, to suggest that someone is responsible for something bad or undesirable.
|
Examples of usage
- He ascribed Jane's short temper to her diet.
- The failure of the project was ascribed to poor planning.
- I ascribe my success to hard work and determination.
in a sentence
Regard a quality as belonging to.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ascribing |
When you are explaining the cause of something or the origin of an action to a particular person or thing.
|
| attribute |
Used when pointing out the likely reason or cause of something, often in a more formal or analytical context.
|
| assign |
Commonly used in situations where you allocate tasks, responsibilities, or resources to someone or something.
|
| credit |
Suitable for acknowledging someoneโs contribution, achievement, or when giving recognition for something. It often implies that the acknowledgment is well-deserved.
|
Examples of usage
- He ascribed patience to her.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- The concept of ascribing qualities or actions to individuals is central to discussions about morality and ethics.
- Philosophers debate the implications of ascribing blame, particularly in cases where intentions may be unclear.
- Ascribing characteristics to various entities, such as animals, affects how humans perceive and interact with them, often leading to anthropomorphism.
Psychology
- In social psychology, the process of ascribing motives or intentions is critical in how we evaluate others' behaviors.
- Attribution theory explains how people interpret and understand others' actions, often basing their perceptions on ascribed characteristics.
- Ascribing mental states or emotions to others is a key aspect of empathy, allowing for better social interactions.
Literature
- In literary analysis, ascribing themes or meanings to texts involves interpreting the author's intentions and messages.
- Critics often ascribe attributes to characters to reflect broader societal issues, such as class or morality.
- Metaphors in literature can lead to ascribing deeper meanings, inviting readers to ponder beyond the surface narrative.
Sociology
- Sociologists study how people ascribe various identities, such as race or gender, to themselves and others.
- Cultural norms can influence the characteristics that are ascribed to specific groups, potentially leading to stereotypes.
- Ascribing roles in social contexts helps individuals understand their place and expectations within a community.
Origin of 'ascribing'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'ascribe' comes from the Latin 'ascribere', which means 'to write to' or 'to add to'.
- In Middle English, it was used to denote the action of attributing something to someone.
- The prefix 'ad-' in Latin means 'to', which transforms the idea of 'scribing' into attributing ownership or responsibility.
The word 'ascribing' originated from the Latin word 'ascribere', which means 'to write in, to add to'. It entered the English language in the late 15th century. Throughout history, the term has been used in various contexts, evolving to its current meaning of attributing something to a cause or regarding a quality as belonging to someone or something.
See also: ascription.