Ascribe Meaning and Definition
Ascribe
Pronunciation
/əˈskaɪb/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To attribute or credit something to a person, organization, or cause; to regard something as being due to a particular factor or influence.
Examples
- The critics ascribe the film’s success to its talented cast.
- She ascribes her failure to lack of preparation.
Synonyms
- Attribute
- Credit
Antonyms
- Discredit
- Deny
Additional Information
Ascribing something to a particular cause or influence can help to explain a phenomenon or event. However, it is important to ensure that the attribution is accurate and fair, as faulty ascriptions can lead to misinformation or unfair bias. Ascribe is often used in academic and professional settings to discuss the contributions of individuals or factors to a particular outcome.
In everyday language, ascribe is often used to express opinions or judgments about the reasons behind a particular event or situation. For example, one might ascribe a friend’s success to their hard work and dedication.
Etymology
The verb ascribe comes from the Latin words “as” meaning “to” and “cribere” meaning “to write”. It originally meant to write or inscribe something to a particular person or thing, and has since evolved to mean attributing or crediting something to a particular source.
Usage Notes
Ascribe is often used in formal or professional contexts, such as academic writing or business reports. However, it can also be used in informal settings to express opinions or judgments about the reasons behind a particular event or situation.
Cultural References
Ascribe has been used in various cultural contexts, including literature, art, and music. For example, the phrase “ascribe to chance” is often used in literary analysis to describe the role of fate or circumstance in shaping the plot of a story.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Ascribe to chance, ascribe to fate
Related Words or Phrases
- Attribute
- Credit
- Accredit
Collocations
- Ascribe responsibility
- Ascribe blame
- Ascribe success
Frequency of Use
Ascribe is a moderately common verb, used frequently in formal and professional contexts, but less often in everyday conversation.
Common Misspellings
- Asribe
- Ascribee
- Ascrbe