Unattributed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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unattributed
[ˌʌnəˈtrɪbjuˌtɪd ]
Definition
source of information
Not attributed to a specific source or author.
Synonyms
anonymous, uncredited, undocumented.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unattributed |
Used when mentioning work, a quote, or a piece of information that does not have a given source or author's name.
|
| uncredited |
Used in the context of works, especially in entertainment and media, where someone did not receive official acknowledgment for their contribution.
|
| anonymous |
Used when referring to a situation where a person's identity is deliberately withheld, often for privacy or safety reasons.
|
| undocumented |
Used when referring to something that lacks official records or formal acknowledgement, often in the context of immigrant status or historical data.
|
Examples of usage
- The article contained unattributed quotes from various officials.
- The unattributed information raised concerns about its reliability.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Many famous quotes are often unattributed, making it hard to know who originally said them.
- In literary studies, unattributed works can lead to discussions about authorship and the importance of crediting creators.
Art
- Unattributed artworks, especially those from ancient times, challenge historians to decipher their origin and significance.
- In museums, many pieces may remain unattributed due to the loss of records over time, which can change their perceived value.
Intellectual Property
- In academic settings, unattributed sources can lead to issues of plagiarism, emphasizing the importance of giving credit.
- Legal protections exist for unattributed works, allowing creators to seek recognition, sometimes even after their works were initially dismissed.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'unattributed quote' has been popularized, especially on social media, often leading to attribution disputes.
- Various memes and viral posts often circulate unattributed, highlighting the ownership issues in digital content sharing.
Origin of 'unattributed'
Main points about word origin
- The prefix 'un-' means 'not', while 'attributed' comes from the Latin 'attributus', meaning 'to assign or regard something as belonging to'.
- The word has been used in English since the early 20th century, primarily in the context of works of art and literature.
The word 'unattributed' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the verb 'attribute' which comes from the Latin word 'attribuere', meaning 'to assign or ascribe'. The concept of attributing sources has been a fundamental aspect of academic and journalistic integrity, ensuring proper credit is given to the original creators of information.
See also: attributes, attribution, attributions.