imputation
AmericanEtymology
Origin of imputation
1535–45; < Late Latin imputātiōn- (stem of imputātiō ), equivalent to Latin imputāt ( us ) past participle of imputāre to ascribe, impute + -iōn- -ion
Explanation
Imputation is the attributing of actions to a source: often, imputation involves actions that are criminal. Imputation takes words or actions and ties them to a person or a cause. An imputation is when you say "He did it!" Imputations are therefore similar to accusations. Often, this word relates to imputations of dirty deeds, especially illegal deeds. "My brother stole the car" is an imputation. "The butler killed the maid" is an imputation. Imputations place blame, usually for something very wrong indeed. This word is often used in legal situations, when imputations are part of testimony.
Vocabulary lists containing imputation
Othello
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The Merchant of Venice
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Oliver Twist
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Vector Casa de Bolsa said it “categorically rejected any imputation that compromises its institutional integrity.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 26, 2025
The regulator said it would like more assurance that the ONS has sufficient steps in place to regularly review and improve sample design and representativeness, bias, survey methodology, and imputation.
From BBC ● May 9, 2025
Typically, imputation provides the least reliable information about a household.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 6, 2022
They have reason to think their lives and careers can be damaged by the merest imputation of racism.
From New York Times ● Apr. 29, 2022
“I know something of Mr. Lloyd; I shall write to him; if his reply agrees with your statement, you shall be publicly cleared from every imputation; to me, Jane, you are clear now.”
From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
