Attribute: meaning, definitions and examples

Use in formal discussions to describe a quality or feature that someone or something possesses. Common in academic or professional settings.

• One of her most impressive attributes is her ability to stay calm under pressure.
• Honesty is often considered an important attribute for a leader.

Use when emphasizing a distinctive or prominent part, aspect, or detail of something. Often used in marketing, product descriptions, and geographical contexts.

• The smartphone's most impressive feature is its high-resolution camera.
• Mountains and valleys are features of the landscape.

Use when referring to a quality that is typical of a person, place, or thing and often makes them recognizable. Suitable for both formal and informal settings.

• Empathy is a defining characteristic of a good therapist.
• One characteristic of the region is its diverse climate.

Use in scientific, technical, or real estate contexts to describe an inherent attribute or characteristic of an object. It can also refer to physical substances and their qualities.

• Elasticity is a key property of rubber.
• The property values in this neighborhood have risen significantly.

Used when referring to a distinctive feature of something or someone, often implying that the feature is inherent and contributes to their identity or nature.

• Kindness is an important attribute for a good teacher.
• Her ability to stay calm under pressure is one of her best attributes.

Refers to a distinguishing attribute or positive feature of something or someone, often implying excellence or superiority in that aspect.

• Honesty is a quality I value in a friend.
• Durability is a key quality of this brand of shoes.

Used for a specific quality or characteristic that is often part of one's personality or nature, typically referring to consistent patterns in behavior or thought.

• Patience is a trait that many great leaders possess.
• Humor is one of his most endearing traits.

Describes a feature that is typical or representative of a person, place, or thing, often implying that it sets them apart from others.

• One characteristic of her paintings is their vibrant use of color.
• Loyalty is a characteristic commonly found in good friends.

Use 'attribute' when you recognize that something is caused by someone or something.

• She attributes her success to hard work.
• The scientist attributes the disease to a new virus.

Use 'ascribe' in a more formal context when you want to indicate that you believe something is due to a particular cause.

• They ascribed the invention of the light bulb to Thomas Edison.
• The ancient Greeks ascribed many natural phenomena to the actions of their gods.

Use 'assign' when you give someone a particular role or task, or when you allocate a reason or source to something.

• The teacher assigned homework to the students.
• It's difficult to assign a motive to his actions.

Use 'credit' when you want to acknowledge someone's contribution or influence in a positive way.

• The team credits their victory to their dedicated coach.
• She was credited with bringing the project to a successful conclusion.