Definition, synonyms and related words
plural of attribute
"The job posting listed several key attributes, such as strong communication skills and the ability to work under pressure."
In plain English: Attributes are the special qualities or features that make something unique.
"The job description lists several key attributes required for the role."
Usage: Use attributes to describe the qualities or characteristics that define something, such as noting that patience and kindness are key attributes of a good leader. Do not confuse this with the verb form, which means to assign a quality to something.
Third-person singular simple present indicative form of attribute
"The critic attributes the painting's vivid colors to the artist's unique style."
In plain English: To attribute something is to say that it comes from a specific cause or person.
"The old computer attributes all its slow performance to insufficient memory."
Usage: Do not use "he attributes" to mean that someone possesses a quality; instead, use this verb only when stating that a person or thing is credited with causing something. For example, say "He attributes the success to hard work," never "He attributes patience."
Derived from Latin attributus, the past participle of adtribuere meaning "to throw to" or "assign," the term originally referred to qualities assigned by an external agent. It later evolved in English to denote inherent characteristics or properties possessed by a person or thing.