attribute
verb (used with object)
to regard as resulting from a specified cause; consider as caused by something indicated (usually followed byto ).
were attributing
-
past progressiveof attribute.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
“In the beginning stages of the pandemic, we were attributing the increase to life being disrupted,” she said.
From Seattle Times ● May 11, 2022
“To appease me, he carried a Christmas tree across Boston, but then had to sleep for several hours. We were attributing the fatigue to stress from moving and starting a new job.”
From New York Times ● Sep. 10, 2021
Some people were attributing the poem to Ta-Nehisi Coates on Twitter.
From Slate ● Jul. 15, 2021
Chalian said Iowa Democratic Party officials were attributing the delay to “quality control” issues caused by a new digital app used by precinct officials.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 4, 2020
Chicago newspapers were attributing its origin to the new vigour and the fresh ideals of the middle west.
From Arcadian Adventures with the Idle Rich by Stephen Leacock
