Attribute

Etymology

Middle English], from Latin attributus, past participle of attribuere to attribute, from ad- + tribuere to bestow — more at tribute

• Date: 14th century

• 1 : an inherent characteristic; also : an accidental quality
• 2 : an object closely associated with or belonging to a specific person, thing, or office <a scepter is the attribute of power>; especially : such an object used for identification in painting or sculpture
• 3 : a word ascribing a quality