attribute (something) to (someone or something)

idiom

1

: to say that (something) is because of (someone or something)

He attributes his success to his coach.

His doctor attributes his health problems to a poor diet and a lack of exercise.

2

: to think of (something) as being a quality of (someone or something)

The study suggests that it is a mistake to attribute adult reasoning to children.

Is it right to attribute complex emotions to animals?

She attributed some importance to the research.

3

: to think of (something) as being made or created by (someone)

The poem is usually attributed to Shakespeare, but some scholars doubt that he wrote it.

Examples of attribute (something) to (someone or something) in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In fact, over 40 million people have attempted college but did not achieve a credential, which most attribute to financial challenges. —Carrie Welton, TIME, 23 Sep. 2024

Still, the bourbon whiskey market is expected to grow to $8.29 billion in 2024, translating to a 6.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from last year, which analysts attribute to more interest in craft bourbon. —Rachel King, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2024

Using the Webb telescope and more powerful X-ray telescopes to take additional observations will eventually uncover a feature that astronomers can attribute to only one of the two scenarios. —Discover Magazine, 9 Sep. 2024

The number of monarchs at the wintering sites in Mexico dropped by 59% this year, which experts attribute to extreme weather like heat and drought, pesticide use and habitat loss. —Shaun McKinnon, The Arizona Republic, 12 Feb. 2024