Attributed vs. Attributable — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 9, 2024
Attributed often means assigned or credited to a source, whereas attributable is used to describe something as being able to be ascribed to a particular cause or source.
Difference Between Attributed and Attributable
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Attributed generally describes something that has already been linked or credited to someone or something, often in the context of authorship or creation. For instance, a quote might be attributed to a famous author. On the other hand, attributable is used when discussing the potential or capability of assigning something, such as responsibility or a characteristic, to a cause, source, or person. This term frequently appears in scientific and statistical contexts.
Attributed often involves a definitive connection, suggesting that the linkage to the source or cause is clearly established or widely accepted. For example, a piece of artwork may be attributed to a particular artist based on stylistic analysis or historical evidence. Whereas attributable suggests a probable link that might require further investigation or evidence, often used in phrases like "symptoms attributable to a disease."
In legal or academic contexts, attributed is particularly significant when a direct link between a work and its creator needs to be established to discuss authorship or copyright. On the other hand, attributable is crucial when determining liability or causality, such as identifying factors attributable to an accident or disease.
When using attributed, the emphasis is often on the reliability of the source from which the information comes or the authority of the attribution. For example, a statement attributed to a CEO carries a certain weight. Conversely, when discussing something as attributable, the focus can shift to the methods or criteria used to establish that link, such as environmental factors attributable to climate change.
In everyday language, attributed might be used more casually to refer to things like quotes or traditional practices linked to specific cultures or historical figures. On the other hand, attributable might be applied in discussions involving more complex scenarios like those involving scientific research where causality must be rigorously established.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Assigned or credited to a source
Capable of being ascribed to a source
Usage Context
Often historical or cultural
Usually scientific or statistical
Implication of Connection
Direct and established
Potential or investigable
Common Phrases
"Attributed to an author"
"Symptoms attributable to a condition"
Focus
On the authority of the source
On the methodology of linkage
Compare with Definitions
Attributed
Ascribed to a particular cause.
The painting was attributed to the Baroque period.
Attributable
Describing something as explainable by a specific factor.
The rise in unemployment was attributable to economic downturn.
Attributed
Credited with having done something.
The quote was attributed to Shakespeare.
Attributable
Capable of being attributed to something.
The decline in sales is attributable to poor marketing.
Attributed
Related or connected to a specific source.
These ancient artifacts are attributed to the Maya civilization.
Attributable
Potentially linked to a particular agent or condition.
The increase in temperatures is attributable to global warming.
Attributed
Regarded as being caused by.
The victory was attributed to the team's new strategy.
Attributable
Regarded as resulting from a specified cause.
These symptoms are attributable to known allergens.
Attributed
Assigned to someone or something as belonging to them.
The invention of the light bulb is often attributed to Thomas Edison.
Attributable
Possible to assign to a specific source.
The failure of the project is attributable to inadequate planning.
Attributed
To regard as arising from a particular cause or source; ascribe
Attributed their failure to a lack of preparation.
Attributable
To regard as arising from a particular cause or source; ascribe
Attributed their failure to a lack of preparation.
Attributed
To regard (a work, for example) as belonging to or produced by a specified agent, place, or time
Attributed the painting to Titian.
Attributed the vase to 18th-century Japan.
Attributable
To regard (a work, for example) as belonging to or produced by a specified agent, place, or time
Attributed the painting to Titian.
Attributed the vase to 18th-century Japan.
Attributed
A quality or characteristic inherent in or ascribed to someone or something.
Attributable
A quality or characteristic inherent in or ascribed to someone or something.
Attributed
An object associated with and serving to identify a character, personage, or office
Lightning bolts are an attribute of Zeus.
Attributable
An object associated with and serving to identify a character, personage, or office
Lightning bolts are an attribute of Zeus.
Attributed
(Grammar) A word or phrase syntactically subordinate to another word or phrase that it modifies; for example, my sister's and brown in my sister's brown dog.
Attributable
(Grammar) A word or phrase syntactically subordinate to another word or phrase that it modifies; for example, my sister's and brown in my sister's brown dog.
Attributed
Simple past tense and past participle of attribute
Attributable
Capable of being attributed.
His lack of conversation is attributable to his shyness.
Attributed
(programming) decorated with an attribute
Attributable
Allowed to be attributed.
Attributed
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Attributable
Capable of being attributed; ascribable; imputable.
Errors . . . attributable to carelessness.
Attributable
Capable of being attributed;
The collapse of the movement was attributable to a lack of morale
An idea attributable to a Russian
Common Curiosities
What determines if a phenomenon is attributable to a certain cause?
A phenomenon is considered attributable to a certain cause if there is credible evidence or statistical probability linking it directly or indirectly to that cause, often requiring rigorous analysis or research to establish such a link.
Can the term 'attributable' imply certainty?
The term 'attributable' usually implies a degree of probability rather than certainty. It suggests that something can reasonably be linked to a cause based on available evidence but does not confirm the link definitively.
Is 'attributable' used in everyday conversation?
'Attributable' is less commonly used in casual conversation and more frequently in formal, particularly scientific or investigative contexts, where understanding the origins or causes of phenomena is necessary.
When is it appropriate to use 'attributed' instead of 'attributable'?
It is appropriate to use 'attributed' when there is clear, established evidence or consensus that something is directly linked to a source or person. It is more definitive than 'attributable', which implies a potential or probable link.
In what contexts is 'attributed' commonly found?
'Attributed' is commonly found in historical, literary, and cultural contexts where authorship, creation, or origin needs to be identified or has been established through research or tradition.
What kind of evidence is typically required to classify something as attributable?
Typically, scientific, statistical, or circumstantial evidence is required to classify something as attributable, emphasizing a plausible connection rather than a definitive one.
Can the use of 'attributable' change over time with new information?
Yes, the use of 'attributable' can change as new information or research provides stronger evidence, either strengthening the likelihood of a link or disproving it.
Can something be both attributed and attributable?
Yes, something can be both attributed and attributable when it is assigned to a source based on current evidence but still open to further investigation or confirmation.
What makes a fact or event attributable rather than directly attributed?
A fact or event is considered attributable when there is a likely but not yet definitively proven connection to a source, requiring more evidence or analysis.
How does the use of 'attributed' affect the credibility of information?
Using 'attributed' can enhance the credibility of information if the source is reliable and the attribution is widely accepted or verified, as it ties facts directly to recognized authorities or evidence.
What does "attributed" imply in historical context?
In historical contexts, "attributed" implies that a specific action, work, or statement has been definitively linked to a particular person or group based on evidence or consensus.
How is "attributable" used in scientific research?
In scientific research, "attributable" is used to describe phenomena or effects that can potentially be linked to specific causes or conditions, often pending further investigation.
What are the implications of misusing 'attributed' or 'attributable'?
Misusing 'attributed' or 'attributable' can lead to misinformation or misinterpretation of the facts, potentially attributing actions, statements, or effects to incorrect sources or causes.
How does the legal interpretation of attributed differ from the everyday use?
In legal contexts, "attributed" is used more strictly and requires substantial evidence or official acknowledgment, whereas in everyday use, it might not require such rigorous standards.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
