What does it mean to 'impute' something to someone?

To 'impute' something to someone means to credit or attribute responsibility for a certain action, quality, or characteristic to that person. This term is often used in a legal or moral context, where it implies that a particular action or state is being assigned to someone, often suggesting that they are responsible for it even if it is not their direct fault or even if it's been inferred.

For example, if a person is accused of a crime, the act of imputing suggests that they are being assigned the responsibility for that crime based on certain evidence or by association. This can often carry a negative connotation, especially when implying wrongdoing or guilt that may not be immediately clear.

The other choices do not fully encapsulate this meaning. Illustrating positive qualities suggests a focus on showcasing attributes rather than assigning responsibility. Questioning authority relates to challenging someone in power, which is a different concept altogether. Providing factual evidence involves presenting facts or data, which does not pertain to the act of attributing responsibility or blame.