Definition

Assigned to someone or something, often without justification or based on arbitrary factors.

Example

The ascribed status of the royal family often influences public perception.

Conversation

I often wonder about the traits we are ascribed at birth.

That's interesting! Do you think they really shape who we become?

Yeah, like how some people are seen as naturally artistic or athletic.

Exactly! It's fascinating how society often labels us that way.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To attribute something to a particular cause, source, or origin.

Example

The success of the project was ascribed to the team's hard work and dedication.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I always thought the success of that artist could be ascribed to their talent.

That's true, but it also takes a lot of hard work and dedication.

I guess people often overlook the effort behind the scenes.

Root Explanation

Ascribed is formed from "ad-" (meaning to) and "scribere" (meaning to write). The word refers to the act of attributing or assigning something to a particular cause or source, as if writing it down as belonging to that source.

Memory Tip

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

Visually Confused Words