attribution
UK: ˌætrɪˈbjuːʃən | US: ˌætrɪˈbjuːʃən
n. the act of attributing something to a particular cause or source
n. a quality or characteristic ascribed to someone or something
n. (legal) the assignment of a work to its creator for rights or credit
attribution = at<to> + tribut<assign> + ion<noun suffix>
- at (Latin ad-, meaning "to" or "toward")
- tribut (Latin tribuere, meaning "to assign" or "to grant")
- ion (noun-forming suffix indicating action or result)
Etymology Origin:
The word "attribution" traces back to Latin attributio, derived from ad- (to) + tribuere (to assign). Originally used in legal and rhetorical contexts to denote assigning credit or cause, it evolved into broader usage for assigning qualities or origins. The root tribut also appears in "tribute" (a payment assigned) and "distribute" (to assign widely).
The attribution of the quote to Shakespeare was later proven incorrect.
Proper attribution is essential in academic writing to avoid plagiarism.
The artist demanded attribution for her work in the exhibition.
The study focused on the attribution of success to hard work rather than luck.
Legal disputes often arise over the attribution of intellectual property.