Impute

usgb/ɪmˈpjuːt/
verb

To say or suggest that someone is responsible for something, usually something bad.

He imputed the company's failure to the decisions of the managing director.
Visual representation of "impute" - To say or suggest that someone is responsible for something, usually something bad

Often appears as...

  • impute blame
  • impute fault

Usage tips

Formal, Disapproving

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "impute"
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Negative Connotation

Impute often implies blame or negative association toward a person or group.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Critics imputed the scandal to the senator's lack of oversight.
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Suggesting Without Proof

Impute suggests an opinion without needing proved evidence, sometimes unfairly.

Illustration for Suggesting Without Proof
Bloggers shouldn't impute motives to someone without any factual basis.
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Not Directly Stated

To impute something means it's not explicitly stated but hinted or insinuated.

Illustration for Not Directly Stated
The article imputed corruption, though it never mentioned it by name.
Visual representation of the word "Impute"

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