Definition

To assign a quality or characteristic to someone or something, or to attribute something to a specific cause or source.

Example

Many people ascribe his success to hard work and determination.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I read an article that tried to ascribe his success to hard work and talent.

That makes sense, but I think luck played a huge role too.

Yeah, sometimes people just ascribe qualities without seeing the whole picture.

True, it's important to consider all factors that contribute to someone's achievements.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ascribe → It is formed from "ad-" (meaning to) and "scribere" (meaning to write). The word means to attribute or assign something to a particular cause or source, as if writing it down to indicate its origin.

Memory Tip

Think of 'writing down' ('scribere') something 'to' ('ad-') a specific source — that's how ascribe means to attribute something.

Visually Confused Words