Impart vs. Impute

Attribute	Impart	Impute
Definition	To give or bestow something	To attribute or ascribe something to someone
Usage	Commonly used in the context of knowledge or skills being passed on	Commonly used in the context of assigning responsibility or blame
Origin	Derived from Latin "impartire" meaning to share	Derived from Latin "imputare" meaning to charge or attribute
Connotation	Generally positive, implying generosity or sharing	Can have negative connotations, implying blame or accusation

Definition

Impart and impute are two verbs that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. Impart means to give or bestow something, such as knowledge or a quality, to someone or something. It involves sharing or transferring information or characteristics. Impute, on the other hand, means to attribute or ascribe something to someone or something. It involves assigning responsibility or blame for a particular action or quality.

Usage

Impart is typically used in contexts where knowledge, wisdom, or skills are being shared. For example, a teacher imparts knowledge to their students through lectures and discussions. It can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as imparting a sense of confidence or courage. Impute, on the other hand, is often used in legal or moral contexts. For instance, a court may impute liability to a company for the actions of its employees. It can also be used in a more general sense, such as imputing motives to someone's actions.

Connotation

Impart generally has a positive connotation, as it implies the sharing of something valuable or beneficial. It is often associated with generosity, kindness, and wisdom. Impute, on the other hand, can have a more negative connotation, as it involves assigning blame or responsibility. It is often associated with judgment, accusation, and criticism. However, impute can also be used in a neutral or even positive context, such as imputing good intentions to someone's actions.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between impart and impute:

• The teacher imparted her knowledge of history to the students.
• The court imputed liability to the company for the actions of its employees.
• She imparted a sense of confidence to her team before the big presentation.
• He imputed selfish motives to her decision to leave the company.
• They imparted their family traditions to the next generation.
• The media often imputes political bias to certain news outlets.

Etymology

The word "impart" comes from the Latin word "impartire," which means to share or divide. It is derived from the prefix "in-" meaning into or upon, and the verb "partire" meaning to divide. The word "impute" comes from the Latin word "imputare," which means to reckon or charge. It is derived from the prefix "im-" meaning in or upon, and the verb "putare" meaning to think or consider.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while impart and impute are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings and connotations. Impart involves giving or sharing something, such as knowledge or qualities, while impute involves attributing or assigning something, such as blame or responsibility. Understanding the difference between these two verbs can help improve clarity and precision in communication.