contribute

[kuhn-trib-yoot]

verb (used with object)

contributed, contributing 

1. to give (money, time, knowledge, assistance, etc.) to a common supply, fund, etc., as for charitable purposes.

   Synonyms: donate, furnish, provide

2. to furnish (an original written work, drawing, etc.) for publication.

   to contribute stories to a magazine.

verb (used without object)

contributed, contributing 

1. to give to a common supply, fund, etc..

   He contributes to many charities.

2. to furnish written works, drawings, etc., for publication.

   Our thanks to those who contributed to our alumni newsletter.

3. to be an important factor; help to cause something.

   A sudden downpour contributed to the traffic jam.

contribute

/ kənˈtrɪbjuːt /

verb

1. to give (support, money, etc) for a common purpose or fund

2. to supply (ideas, opinions, etc) as part of a debate or discussion

3. (intr) to be partly instrumental (in) or responsible (for)

   drink contributed to the accident

4. to write (articles) for a publication

Other Word Forms

• contributable adjective
• contributiveness noun
• contributive adjective
• contributively adverb
• noncontributable adjective
• noncontributing adjective
• noncontributive adjective
• noncontributiveness noun
• overcontribute verb
• precontribute verb (used with object)
• uncontributed adjective
• uncontributing adjective
• uncontributive adjective
• uncontributiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of contribute¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin contribūtus, past participle of contribuēre “to bring together”; con-, tribute

Word History and Origins

Origin of contribute¹

C16: from Latin contribuere to collect, from tribuere to grant, bestow

Example Sentences

Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky warned the UN last month that AI was contributing to "the most destructive arms race in human history".

Read more on BBC

Which means stock prices themselves — the thing everyone obsesses over — contribute about as much to your wealth as the participation trophy you got in Little League.

Read more on MarketWatch

This fear haunts the Tories, and it contributes to a brewing challenge to Ms. Badenoch’s leadership.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

They eventually reopened, but a broad sense of malaise — economic, political and disaster-driven — has contributed to dozens of bars, clubs and restaurants closing across the city.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"EES will contribute to prevent irregular migration and help protect the security of everyone living in or travelling to Europe," it said.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• add 
• commit 
• devote 
• give 
• grant 
• pony up 
• share 
• subsidize 
• supply