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

Some Texas residents have decided to get vaccinated, which experts attribute to access to good information. —Neha Mukherjee, CNN, 5 Mar. 2025

The only cases were found in people who had contracted measles abroad and brought it into the U.S. However, outbreaks have since begun again, which health officials attribute to the U.S.'s declining vaccination rates. —David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025

Continuing to be a working actor and producer in Hollywood, along with her latest fitness pursuits, what does Fonda attribute to her longevity today, not only physically but mentally, as our world experiences tougher times? —Jeff Conway, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

Part of the growth of the spice can be attribute to the increase in Peruvian restaurants, where ají amarillo is a staple in the cuisine. —Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025