Imputation
/ˌɪmpjəˈteɪʃən/
nounC1
Definition
Imputation means blaming or saying that someone caused or did something, especially something negative. It is often used when someone suggests another person is guilty or responsible for a fault or mistake, whether true or not.
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See It in Action
The act of blaming or assigning responsibility for something (usually bad)
- •The imputation of dishonesty harmed his reputation.
- •She denied the imputation that she had lied.
- •Imputations of corruption were common during the election.
(In law and accounting) The attribution of an action or value to a person or cause
- •The imputation of income is important for tax calculations.
- •Legal imputation means holding someone responsible for another’s actions.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "imputation" like "blame," but more formal and often used in serious or official situations
- ✓Picture a courtroom where a lawyer says a person did something wrong, pointing responsibility at them
- ✓It feels like the moment when someone says, "You did this," which can make you feel accused or defensive
- ✓Sounds like "im-PUTE-ation" → imagine someone putting (like "put") a fault or responsibility onto another person
- ✓In stories, imputation happens when a character is accused of a crime or mistake, whether fairly or unfairly
- ✓NOT like "admission" (saying you did something), imputation is often by others, not by the person themselves
- ✓NOT like "accusation" (which is direct blame), imputation can be more indirect or implied
- ✓NOT like "explanation" (which gives reasons), imputation focuses on assigning responsibility or fault
Try Other Words
- •Accusation: a direct statement that someone did something wrong (Use when blame is clearly stated and strong)
- •Attribution: saying something belongs to or is caused by someone (Use when focusing on assigning cause, not always negative)
- •Charge: a formal claim that someone committed a crime or mistake (Use in legal or official contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "im-" (in, on) + "put" (to place, assign) + "-ation" (noun suffix meaning action or process)
- •Etymology: From Latin "imputare," meaning "to reckon, assign, or charge to someone"
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 15th century to mean assigning responsibility, often blame or fault
- •Modern usage: Common in legal, accounting, and formal language when responsibility or fault is assigned to a person or cause
Reflect & Connect
•How can imputation affect a person’s reputation, even if the blame is not true?
•In what situations might imputation be fair or unfair, and how can we tell the difference?
Fill in the blanks
1.The imputation of guilt often happens before the ___ of a trial or investigation.
2.When someone faces imputation, they usually feel ___ or defensive about the accusation.
3.Unlike an open accusation, imputation can be more ___ or suggested rather than directly stated.
4.In law, imputation means assigning responsibility ___ someone, even if they did not act directly.
5.The politician denied the imputation that he had accepted ___ gifts during the campaign.
6.Imputation often comes with serious ___, such as loss of trust or respect.
7.When dealing with imputation, it is important to look for ___ before accepting blame.