Definition of ATTRIBUTION (original) (raw)
1
: the act of attributing something
especially : the ascribing of a work (as of literature or art) to a particular author or artist
2
: an ascribed quality, character, or right
Supernatural powers were attributions of the gods.
3
psychology : the interpretive process by which people make judgments about the causes of their own behavior and the behavior of others
Psychologists have long documented what they call the fundamental attribution error, the tendency for people to explain human behavior in terms of the traits of individual actors, even when powerful situational forces are at work.—
Erica Goode
Synonyms
Examples of attribution in a Sentence
a genuine respect for one another is one of the most commonly cited attributions of a happily married couple
Recent Examples on the Web However, technology can bridge the gap to forecast performance in primary care attribution, prospective bundles and partial or full capitation. —David Snow, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024 On-the-record interviews were quoted with full attribution. —Bruce Headlam, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024 Bates says that in order to definitively prove whether or not climate change contributed to the flooding in Europe, researchers will need to conduct an attribution study, which takes at least several weeks. —Anna Gordon, TIME, 18 Sep. 2024 Off-the-record interviews with attribution were quoted anonymously. —Bruce Headlam, The New Yorker, 9 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for attribution 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'attribution.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1598, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Time Traveler
The first known use of attribution was in 1598
Dictionary Entries Near attribution
Cite this Entry
“Attribution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attribution. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
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Last Updated: 30 Sep 2024 - Updated example sentences
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