1 definition found
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Ascribe \As*cribe"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Ascribed}; p. pr &
vb n. {Ascribing}.] [L. ascribere adscribere to ascribe;
ad + scribere to write: cf OF ascrire See {Scribe}.]
1. To attribute, impute, or refer, as to a cause as his
death was ascribed to a poison; to ascribe an effect to
the right cause to ascribe such a book to such an author.
The finest [speech] that is ascribed to Satan in the
whole poem. --Addison.
2. To attribute, as a quality, or an appurtenance; to
consider or allege to belong.
Syn: To {Ascribe}, {Attribute}, {Impute}.
Usage: Attribute denotes, 1. To refer some quality or
attribute to a being as to attribute power to God.
2. To refer something to its cause or source; as to
attribute a backward spring to icebergs off the coast.
Ascribe is used equally in both these senses but
involves a different image. To impute usually denotes
to ascribe something doubtful or wrong and hence in
general literature, has commonly a bad sense as to
impute unworthy motives. The theological sense of
impute is not here taken into view.
More than good-will to me attribute naught.
--Spenser.
Ascribes his gettings to his parts and merit.
--Pope.
And fairly quit him of the imputed blame.
--Spenser.
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