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more about ascribe
ascribe |
2 definitions 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. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: ascribe v 1: attribute to a source or cause "We attributed this quotation to Shakespeare" [syn: {impute}, {assign}, {attribute}] 2: make undue claims to having [syn: {arrogate}, {assign}]
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