Attributes Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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attributes
[ˈatrɪˌbjuːt ]
Definitions
data
A quality or feature regarded as a characteristic or inherent part of someone or something.
Synonyms
characteristic, quality, trait.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| attributes |
Appropriate in formal or technical settings, particularly when discussing features or qualities of both people and objects.
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| quality |
Usually refers to a feature that can be positive or negative, often used when referring to people’s nature or the standard of something. It can be both formal and informal.
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| trait |
Generally used in the context of human personalities or genetically inherited features, usually informal to semi-formal settings. Often implies intrinsic characteristics.
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Examples of usage
- Intelligence is one of his key attributes.
- She has all the attributes of a great leader.
computing
Assign (a quality or feature) to someone or something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| attributes |
Used when talking about the qualities or characteristics of someone or something.
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| ascribe |
Used to indicate assigning a cause or source, usually for something abstract, like an idea or behavior.
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| assign |
Common in everyday use to denote allocating tasks or responsibilities to someone.
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| accredit |
Often used in formal or official contexts to give recognition or confirm legitimacy or status.
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Examples of usage
- The system allows users to attribute comments to their authors.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- In psychology, attributes relate to how people explain their own and others' behaviors, known as attribution theory.
- Common attributes can influence how we perceive personality traits, such as kindness or aggressiveness.
Pop Culture
- In video games, characters often have different attributes (like strength or intelligence) that define their abilities.
- Famous characters from movies often have memorable attributes that make them unique, like a detective’s keen observation skills.
Science
- In biology, attributes are essential for classifying organisms, such as their size, shape, and color.
- Attributes are also used in genetics to describe traits passed down from parents to offspring.
Literature
- In storytelling, attributes are critical for character development, helping readers understand personalities and motives.
- Poets often use unique attributes to create vivid imagery and convey emotions.
Origin of 'attributes'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'attributus,' which means 'to allot or assign.'
- Initially used in the context of giving characteristics or qualities to someone or something in literature around the late 14th century.
The word 'attribute' comes from the Latin word 'attribuere', which means 'assign to'. It has been used in the English language since the late 14th century. Originally, it was used in a theological context to mean 'assign to a particular cause or source'. Over time, its usage expanded to include assigning qualities or features to someone or something.
See also: attribution, attributions, unattributed.