ascribe

Definition

To attribute (a cause or characteristic) to someone or something.

Etymology

From Middle English ascriben, from Old French ascrivre (“inscribe, attribute, impute”), from Latin āscrībere (“to state in writing”), equivalent to a- + scribe.

Example Sentences

• "One may ascribe these problems to the federal government; however, at this stage it is unclear what caused them."
• "Thus the Aſſe having a peculiar mark of a croſſe made by a black liſt down his back, and another athwart, or at right angles down his ſhoulders; common opinion aſcribes this figure unto a peculiar ſignation; ſince that beaſt had the honour to bear our Saviour on his back."
• "Difficult running was ascribed by the driver to inferior coal, alleged to be Polish."