attributable
UK[əˈtrɪbjətəbl]US[əˈtrɪbjətəbl]
adj
able to be attributed to a particular cause, person, or source.
Morpheme Breakdown
at
tribute
able
at
to, toward,
tribute
able
Etymology
the word "attributable" is built upon the latin verb "tribuere," meaning "to assign or allot." the prefix "ad-" (meaning "to") was assimilated to "at-" before the root. the core concept is the act of assigning something, such as a quality or cause, to a specific source. the suffix "-able" was added in english to form an adjective meaning "capable of being assigned." thus, the literal sense of "capable of being assigned to" evolved into the modern meaning of being able to be credited or explained by a particular origin.
Analysis
Structure: at + tribute + able
- at- (latin, ad-): a prefix meaning "to, toward," indicating direction or addition.
- tribute (latin, tribuere): a root meaning "to assign, grant, bestow."
- -able (latin, -abilis): a suffix meaning "capable of, fit for," forming adjectives.
Examples
most of the increase in sales is attributable to the new marketing campaign.
the accident was directly attributable to human error.
any success the project has is largely attributable to her hard work.