Fundamental attribution error

/ˌfʌn.dəˈmɛn.təl ˌæt.ɹɪˈbjuː.ʃən ˈɛɹ.ɚ/ noun

The tendency to overemphasize internal personality factors and underestimate situational factors when explaining other people's behavior.

From Latin 'fundamentalis' (of a foundation) + 'attributio' (assigning) + Old French 'errour' (mistake). The fundamental mistake in assigning causes.

📖 Full word page — etymology, 47 translations, audio 🔑 Get Free API Key — 50 lookups/day 📚 Read the Docs — integrate Word Orb