adj
Common
attributed
uh-TRIHB-yoo-tihd
Attributed (adj) means Said to be the work, quality, or possession of a particular person, cause, or source. Example: “The quote is often attributed to a famous writer, but nobody can prove it.”
adj
1
Said to be the work, quality, or possession of a particular person, cause, or source.
"The quote is often attributed to a famous writer, but nobody can prove it."
"The painting is attributed to a student of Rembrandt, not the master himself."
"The delay was attributed to a shortage of parts."
How to use attributed
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCredited to, or said to come from, a particular person or cause.
Common mistake
Attributed to means "said to be caused by" — it does not guarantee the claim is proven, just that someone is crediting or blaming that source.
Common pairings
attributed to
widely attributed
commonly attributed
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The quote is often _____ to a famous writer, but nobody can prove it.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for attributed
See all rhymes for attributed →Frequently asked questions
What does “attributed” mean?
The word “attributed” means said to be the work, quality, or possession of a particular person, cause, or source. In plain terms, credited to, or said to come from, a particular person or cause.
How do you pronounce “attributed”?
“Attributed” is pronounced uh-TRIHB-yoo-tihd (/əˈtɹɪb.(j)ə.tɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “attributed” in a sentence?
Here is “attributed” used in a sentence: “The painting is attributed to a student of Rembrandt, not the master himself.”
What part of speech is “attributed”?
“Attributed” is an adjective.
Is “attributed” a common word?
“Attributed” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between attributed and credited?
Credited presents authorship or responsibility as established fact, while attributed often signals belief rather than proof: the work or quality is said to be from a particular person, cause, or source. In art and publishing, "attributed to" an artist conventionally means experts believe the work is theirs but cannot be certain.
What is the difference between attribute and contribute?
To attribute something is to say it was caused or created by a particular source: success attributed to hard work. To contribute is to give or supply something toward a result: hard work contributed to the success. The confusion arises because both verbs commonly appear with "to."
Do you say attributed to or attributed with?
The standard construction is attributed to: a work, quality, or result is attributed to its creator, owner, or cause. "Attributed with" is nonstandard; if you need a construction that takes with, use credited with, as in "she is credited with inventing the process."
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