impute

[im-pyoot]

verb (used with object)

imputed, imputing 

1. to attribute or ascribe.

   The children imputed magical powers to the old woman.

2. to attribute or ascribe (something discreditable), as to a person.

3. Law.,  to ascribe to or charge (a person) with an act or quality because of the conduct of another over whom one has control or for whose acts or conduct one is responsible.

4. Theology.,  to attribute (righteousness, guilt, etc.) to a person or persons vicariously; ascribe as derived from another.

5. Obsolete.,  to charge (a person) with fault.

impute

/ ɪmˈpjuːt /

verb

1. to attribute or ascribe (something dishonest or dishonourable, esp a criminal offence) to a person

2. to attribute to a source or cause

   I impute your success to nepotism

3. commerce to give (a notional value) to goods or services when the real value is unknown

Other Word Forms

• imputer noun
• imputation noun
• imputative adjective
• imputable adjective
• imputatively adverb
• imputativeness noun
• imputedly adverb
• nonimputable adjective
• nonimputableness noun
• nonimputably adverb
• nonimputative adjective
• nonimputatively adverb
• nonimputativeness noun
• unimputable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of impute¹

1325–75; Middle English imputen < Latin imputāre, equivalent to im- im- ¹ + putāre to assess, reckon, think; putative

Word History and Origins

Origin of impute¹

C14: from Latin imputāre, from _im- + putāre to think, calculate

Synonym Study

See attribute.

Example Sentences

The despised Other is often the migrant or refugee, to whom many evil intentions and actions are imputed.

From Salon

However, the prosecution had also angered members of Paty's family by refusing to push for maximum sentences, and by downgrading the qualification of some of the imputed crimes.

From BBC

Justice Chandrachud said his comment on seeking divine guidance was because “I am a person of faith” and “to impute motives to judges is not right”.

From BBC

"If a family member endorses a publicly endorses a candidate for office, the code says it could be imputed to the judge," Alfini said.

From Salon

A public outcry ended both projects, but Mr. Goldman’s family secured the book rights, added material imputing guilt to Mr. Simpson and had it published.

From New York Times

Related Words

• ascribe