ascribe
/əˈskɹaɪb/
Group 10Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To attribute something to a cause or source GRE
Example in Context
Scholars have long debated whether to ascribe the anonymous manuscripts to the prolific monk or to a lesser-known contemporary.
Synonyms
attributecreditassign
Etymology
To write something to a source — attributing cause to effect.
- ad- (Latin) — to
- scribere (Latin) — to write
Memory Aid
📝Sounds like “a scribe”
A SCRIBE frantically writes 'I ASCRIBE my success to my cat's good luck!' after winning a lottery!
Visual Association
📜An ancient scroll with a quill writing down all the sources of success, like good luck charms.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “ascribe” mean on the GRE?
ascribe (verb) means “To attribute something to a cause or source”. Scholars have long debated whether to ascribe the anonymous manuscripts to the prolific monk or to a lesser-known contemporary.
How to remember “ascribe” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “ascribe” sounds like “a scribe”. A SCRIBE frantically writes 'I ASCRIBE my success to my cat's good luck!' after winning a lottery!
What are synonyms for “ascribe”?
Common synonyms: attribute, credit, assign.