rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryascribeAttribute to a source
verb

ascribe

uh-SKRYB/ʌskrˈaɪb/

To regard something as coming from a particular cause or source.

The gardener ascribes the broken branch to the strong wind.

An adult gardener points from a newly broken branch to a strong wind bending nearby trees, attributing the break to the wind, clear cause and judgment, no text.
Etymology
aLatinto, toward
+scribeLatinto write

The pieces evoke writing something in or adding it to a written record. Latin already extended this image to attributing or crediting something to someone—the sense retained in English.

In context

Archaeological Research Facility, UC Berkeley24:18
religious cults and practices that took hold in rome with little or no repression or persecution now should we ascribe this to roman broad-mindedness and toleration
2020-10-28 Conkey et al. - Inequalities in the Ancient Mediterranean

More examples

  • She ascribes her success to years of practice.
  • The doctor ascribed his headaches to stress.
  • Scholars disagree about ascribing the unsigned poem to Dickinson.

Forms

ascribe · ascribes · ascribed · ascribing

Similar words

attribute
Expresses the same source connection in more everyday language.
credit
Usually assigns responsibility for a positive result or contribution.