Impute: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when you suggest someone is guilty or responsible for something, often with a sense of negativity or unjust blame.

• The manager imputed the loss to the team's lack of effort; She imputed dishonesty to him without any solid evidence

Used when you identify something as belonging to a particular cause, person, or context, usually with a more formal and objective tone.

• She attributed her success to hard work and perseverance; The quote is often attributed to Albert Einstein

Used when you attribute a cause, reason, or characteristic to a person or thing, often in a more neutral or formal manner.

• Scholars often ascribe this painting to Leonardo da Vinci; They ascribed the success of the project to their dedicated team

Used when you are giving a particular job, duty, or task to someone or identifying the cause or origin of something, typically in a clear or direct manner.

• The teacher assigned the homework to be done by Friday; The doctor assigned her fatigue to a lack of sleep