attribute crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "attribute crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle efficiently.
Solutions for "attribute crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
MARK: A distinguishing characteristic or feature.
5 Letters
TRAIT: A distinguishing quality or characteristic, often inherent.
6 Letters
ASPECT: A particular part or feature of something, often considered from a specific viewpoint.
7 Letters
QUALITY: A distinctive attribute or characteristic possessed by someone or something.
8 Letters
PROPERTY: An essential characteristic or attribute belonging to something.
More About "attribute crossword clue"
The word "attribute" can be both a noun and a verb, which makes it a versatile but sometimes tricky clue in crosswords. As a noun, it refers to a quality, characteristic, or feature inherent in or ascribed to someone or something. For example, honesty is an attribute. As a verb, to "attribute" means to regard something as belonging to or caused by someone or something; to ascribe.
Crossword setters often exploit this duality, so pay close attention to the phrasing of the clue. Is it asking for a quality (noun) or an action of assigning (verb)? Understanding this nuance is key to identifying the correct answer among similar-length possibilities. Our listed answers cover common noun forms, which are more frequently encountered for this specific clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Part of Speech: For words like "attribute" that can be both noun and verb, determine which is required. Look for articles (a, an, the) or prepositions (to, by) which often signal the intended part of speech.
- Consider Letter Count and Crossings: Always use the known letter count and any intersecting letters from other clues to narrow down the possibilities. Even if multiple answers fit the definition, only one will fit the grid.
- Think Synonyms and Nuances: Brainstorm various synonyms for the clue, and then consider their specific nuances. "Attribute" can mean a lot of things, so thinking broadly about its related concepts (characteristics, features, ascribing) can unlock the answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'attribute' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'attribute' can refer to a characteristic, quality, or feature (as a noun), or to the act of crediting something to someone or something (as a verb). Clues will usually hint towards whether a noun or verb answer is required.
Are there common synonyms for 'attribute' in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms include TRAIT, QUALITY, FEATURE, ASPECT, PROPERTY, MARK (for the noun form) and ASCRIBE, CREDIT, IMPUTE (for the verb form). The length of the answer and other crossing letters will help narrow down the choice.
How do I distinguish between noun and verb answers for 'attribute'?
The clue's phrasing is key. If the clue implies a 'what it is' (e.g., 'personal trait'), it's likely a noun. If it implies an 'action' (e.g., 'assign credit to'), it's a verb. Look for context clues like 'one's' for a noun, or 'to' for a verb.