attribute (something) to (someone or something)
idiomDefinition of attribute (something) to (someone or something)
1
: to say that (something) is because of (someone or something)
He attributes his success to his coach. His doctor attributes his health problems to a poor diet and a lack of exercise.
2
: to think of (something) as being a quality of (someone or something)
The study suggests that it is a mistake to attribute adult reasoning to children. Is it right to attribute complex emotions to animals? She attributed some importance to the research.
3
: to think of (something) as being made or created by (someone)
The poem is usually attributed to Shakespeare, but some scholars doubt that he wrote it.