attributed

Attributed is the past participle of attribute and an adjective meaning ascribed to or belonging to a particular source, person, or cause. It is used when the author, origin, or responsibility of something is believed or claimed but not definitively established. For example, a painting may be attributed to a certain artist if experts think it is likely to be theirs; a quotation may be attributed to a historical figure; or findings may be attributed to a researcher.

Etymology: from Latin attributus, past participle of attribuere (to attribute, to assign). The verb attribute entered English in the late Middle Ages; attributed as a participle appeared in early modern English. The general sense of “ascribed” remains central.

In practice, attribution involves assessment of evidence, provenance, and stylistic analysis. In art and literature, attribution is a scholarly judgment that can change with new information. In science, statements are attributed to researchers or studies; in journalism, quotations are attributed to sources. The phrase “attributed to” signals caution when the attribution is not certain; if confidence is higher, one might say “authored by” or “credited to.”

Unattributed means lacking a stated source. At times, attribution is contested, leading to reattribution after further study. See also attribution, ascription, provenance, and credit.