attribute attribute /əˈtrɪˌbjuːt/

noun

1. () A construct whereby objects or individuals can be distinguished  ( property , attribute , dimension )
   a construct whereby objects or individuals can be distinguished
    Self-confidence is not an endearing property
   self-confidence is not an endearing property
   
2. () An abstraction belonging to or characteristic of an entity  ( attribute )
   an abstraction belonging to or characteristic of an entity
   

verb

1. () Attribute or credit to  ( ascribe , impute , assign , attribute )
   attribute or credit to
    We attributed this quotation to Shakespeare
   We attributed this quotation to Shakespeare
    People impute great cleverness to cats
   People impute great cleverness to cats
   
2. Decide as to where something belongs in a scheme  ( assign , attribute )
   decide as to where something belongs in a scheme
    The biologist assigned the mushroom to the proper class
   The biologist assigned the mushroom to the proper class