Which word means to assign a certain quality or characteristic?

The term that signifies the act of assigning a certain quality or characteristic to someone or something is "ascribe." This word comes from the Latin "ascribere," which means to attribute something to a cause, source, or author. In context, ascribing implies a direct association between a quality and an entity, often used in discussions about behavior, accomplishments, or traits. For instance, one might ascribe confidence to a speaker based on their ability to engage the audience effectively.

The other words listed have different meanings: "bombast" refers to impressive but meaningless language, typically used in a context of rhetoric; "aspersion" refers to a derogatory remark or criticism meant to tarnish someone's reputation; and "augury" denotes a sign of what will happen in the future, often associated with omens or prophecy. Each of these terms serves distinct purposes in language and does not align with the definition related to attributes or characteristics, which is why they are not the correct choice in this context.