unattributable
|un-at-trib-ut-a-ble|
C1
/ˌʌnəˈtrɪbjətəbl/
not assignable
Etymology
Etymology Information
'unattributable' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'attributable', which comes from the Latin 'attribuere', meaning 'to assign'.
Historical Evolution
'attribuere' transformed into the Old French word 'atribuer', and eventually became the modern English word 'attribute'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to assign or ascribe', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'not able to be attributed'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not able to be attributed to a specific source or cause.
The quote was unattributable, leaving the audience guessing its origin.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45