To attribute something to a particular cause, source, or origin. To credit someone with a particular quality or achievement.
From Latin ascribere, combining ad- (to, toward) + scribere (to write). Originally meant 'to write in addition to' or 'to enroll someone in a group.' It evolved through Old French ascrivre into Middle English, developing the modern sense of attributing or crediting something to someone.
When you 'ascribe' blame or credit, you're literally 'writing toward' someone! This connects beautifully with 'subscribe' (write under/below) and 'inscribe' (write within). All involve directing the act of writing in a specific spatial relationship.
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