Ascription
noun
The action of attributing or assigning something to someone.
The ascription of human feelings to inanimate objects is a common literary technique.
Often appears as...
- ascription of blame
- ascription of responsibility
noun
A description or label given to someone or something.
In many societies, cultural ascriptions play a large role in determining one's social status.
Often appears as...
- cultural ascription
- ascription of label
Usage tips
Academic
noun
The action of attributing or assigning something to someone.
The ascription of human feelings to inanimate objects is a common literary technique.
Often appears as...
- ascription of blame
- ascription of responsibility
noun
A description or label given to someone or something.
In many societies, cultural ascriptions play a large role in determining one's social status.
Often appears as...
- cultural ascription
- ascription of label
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Implying Responsibility
Ascription often implies that someone is responsible for something, even if not directly stated.
The ascription of the successful project to the new manager was a sneak peek into her potential.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotations
Ascription can suggest blame or misconstrued intentions, so it's used cautiously in sensitive contexts.
The ascription of motives behind the peaceful protest sparked controversy.
Pro Tip 3/3Literary Device
In literature, ascription is used to endow characters or objects with qualities, enhancing storytelling.
The ascription of wisdom to the old tree in the story added depth to the narrative.
Pro Tip 1/3Implying Responsibility
Ascription often implies that someone is responsible for something, even if not directly stated.
The ascription of the successful project to the new manager was a sneak peek into her potential.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotations
Ascription can suggest blame or misconstrued intentions, so it's used cautiously in sensitive contexts.
The ascription of motives behind the peaceful protest sparked controversy.
Pro Tip 3/3Literary Device
In literature, ascription is used to endow characters or objects with qualities, enhancing storytelling.
The ascription of wisdom to the old tree in the story added depth to the narrative.
Pro Tip 1/3Implying Responsibility
Ascription often implies that someone is responsible for something, even if not directly stated.
The ascription of the successful project to the new manager was a sneak peek into her potential.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotations
Ascription can suggest blame or misconstrued intentions, so it's used cautiously in sensitive contexts.
The ascription of motives behind the peaceful protest sparked controversy.
Pro Tip 3/3Literary Device
In literature, ascription is used to endow characters or objects with qualities, enhancing storytelling.
The ascription of wisdom to the old tree in the story added depth to the narrative.
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