attribution

noun

1. assigning some quality or character to a person or thing

   noun.cognition

   Examples

   The attribution of language to birds.

   Synonyms ascription

   Source: WordNet 3.0

2. assigning to a cause or source

   noun.cognition

   Examples

   The attribution of lighting to an expression of God's wrath.

   He questioned the attribution of the painting to Picasso.

   Source: WordNet 3.0

3. The act of attributing or ascribing, as a quality, character, or function, to a thing or person, an effect to a cause.

   noun

   Source: webster1913