Podcast Summary: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day – "Impute"
Release Date: June 12, 2025 | Host: Merriam-Webster
Introduction
In the June 12th episode of Merriam-Webster's "Word of the Day" podcast, host Peter Sokolowski delves into the intricacies of the word "impute." This episode offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the term, its usage, and its relevance in various contexts.
Definition of "Impute"
Peter Sokolowski begins by defining impute as a verb:
"To impute something, such as a motive, act, or emotion to a person or thing is to assert that the person or thing is guilty of that motive, act, or emotion."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:40]
In essence, to impute is to attribute a certain characteristic or action to someone or something, often implying judgment or assumption of intent.
Usage in Context
To illustrate the practical application of "impute," Sokolowski provides a contemporary example:
"California is about to ease into the 2026 race for governor, and if you can pick any of the current candidates from a police lineup, either you work in Sacramento, have an unhealthy obsession with state politics, or both. That's not to impute criminality on the part of any of those running to succeed the term-limited Gavin Newsom."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:18]
In this context, Sokolowski clarifies that while one might whimsically associate certain traits with the candidates, it does not equate to falsely attributing criminal behavior to them.
Nuances of "Impute"
Sokolowski further explores the formal usage of "impute," emphasizing its association with attributing motives, actions, or emotions, sometimes unfairly or inaccurately:
"The word impute is a formal one, typically used in contexts in which a motive, act, or emotion is credited or ascribed to someone, especially falsely or unfairly."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:40]
He provides additional examples to solidify understanding:
- Imputing Dishonesty: Asserting someone is not telling the truth.
- Imputing Selfish Motives: Claiming someone's actions are driven by self-interest.
These examples highlight how "impute" often carries a weight of judgment or assumption.
"Imputed Income"
Expanding on the term, Sokolowski introduces the phrase "imputed income," where "imputed" is the past tense form of "impute." He explains:
"Imputed income is income calculated from the supposed value of intangible or non-cash sources, such as use of a company car or an employee discount."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:30]
This concept is particularly relevant in financial and tax contexts, where certain benefits are considered as taxable income even though they aren't received in cash.
Etymology of "Impute"
Delving into the word's origins, Sokolowski connects "impute" to its Latin predecessor:
"The word's Latin ancestor, putare, means to consider."
— Peter Sokolowski [02:30]
This etymological insight underscores the contemplative aspect of attributing characteristics or actions to someone or something.
Conclusion
Peter Sokolowski wraps up the episode by reinforcing the multifaceted nature of "impute," showcasing its applicability in everyday language as well as specialized fields like finance. Understanding such words enriches one's vocabulary and enhances clarity in communication.
For more definitions, wordplay, and trending word lookups, listeners are encouraged to visit Merriam-Webster's website.
This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the Merriam-Webster's "Word of the Day" podcast episode on "impute." It is designed to provide a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the original episode.