Synonyms for

Attribution

Verb / ˌætrɪˈbju:ʃʌn / Another word for attribution — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The act of giving credit or assigning something to a source or cause.

Synonyms & similar words

ascription credit acknowledgment attributional ascription recognition ascription assignment imputation designation allocation allotment apportionment grant bestowal tribute adjudication attributional imputation ascribing

Synonyms by register

Formal

ascription ascribing imputation assignation

Informal

blame credit tagging

Literary

apportionment bestowal

Antonyms

disavowal denial rejection disowning repudiation

Common collocations

  • attribution error
  • attribution theory
  • attribution of blame
  • source attribution
  • attribution of credit
  • attribution of causality
  • attribution of meaning

Word family

noun attribution
verb attribute
adjective attributive
adverb attributively

Usage note

Often used in academic contexts, particularly in psychology and marketing. Be mindful of whether you are attributing blame or credit.

Example sentences

  1. He received attribution for the invention of the light bulb.
  2. The author's name should be included in the attribution of the article.
  3. Attribution is important to avoid plagiarism.
  4. Without proper attribution, it is difficult to determine the validity of a source.
  5. Attribution is a way of giving respect to the creators of original work.

Quotes

  • 'I don't want the credit. I just want the attribution.' - Terry Pratchett
  • 'The difference between plagiarism and genuine research is the difference between copying from others and learning from others.' - Vishwanath S. Joglekar
  • 'Don't worry about people stealing your ideas. If your ideas are any good, you'll have to ram them down people's throats.' - Howard Aiken

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