Attributed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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attributed
[əˈtrɪbjuːtɪd ]
Definition
ascribing sources
Attributed means to regard something as being caused by someone or something. In a more specific context, it often refers to the act of assigning credit or responsibility for a particular outcome or quality. This term is commonly used in academic, artistic, and professional settings. For example, one might attribute a quote to a specific author or attribute the success of a project to a team's hard work.
Synonyms
ascribe, assign, credit, impute.
Examples of usage
- She attributed her success to her mentor's guidance.
- The painting was attributed to a famous artist.
- Researchers attributed the increase in disease to environmental factors.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Usage in Literature
- In literary contexts, works are often attributed to authors, meaning the authors are recognized for creating them.
- Famous sayings and quotes are regularly attributed to historical figures, which helps in understanding their contributions to knowledge.
Psychology
- Attribution theory studies how people explain causes of behavior and events, influencing social interactions and self-perception.
- It impacts self-esteem; for example, attributing success to hard work can boost confidence.
Science
- In scientific research, finding the cause of an effect often requires attributing results to specific variables or conditions.
- Studies about climate change often attribute certain weather patterns to human activities.
Pop Culture
- In music, songs are often attributed to songwriters or bands, showing who created the melody and lyrics.
- Movies typically have credits attributing specific roles to actors, directors, and writers to recognize their contributions.
Origin of 'attributed'
Main points about word origin
- The word has roots in the Latin word 'attribuere', which means to assign or to give.
- It combines 'ad-' (to, towards) and 'tribuere' (to assign), highlighting the act of giving credit or ownership.
The word 'attributed' originates from the Latin verb 'attribuere', which combines 'ad-' meaning 'to' and 'tribuere' meaning 'to assign or bestow'. The term made its way into Middle English in the late 14th century, transforming in spelling and usage over time. Initially, it was used to convey the idea of assigning or localizing characteristics or ownership to a person, object, or phenomenon. It has evolved to be widely used in contexts involving authorship, responsibility, and the origins of characteristics or actions, especially within academic and artistic fields.