contribute
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
-
to give to a common supply, fund, etc..
He contributes to many charities.
-
to furnish written works, drawings, etc., for publication.
Our thanks to those who contributed to our alumni newsletter.
-
to be an important factor; help to cause something.
A sudden downpour contributed to the traffic jam.
verb
-
to give (support, money, etc) for a common purpose or fund
-
to supply (ideas, opinions, etc) as part of a debate or discussion
-
(intr) to be partly instrumental (in) or responsible (for)
drink contributed to the accident
-
to write (articles) for a publication
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
-
contributivenessnoun
-
noncontributivenessnoun
-
uncontributivenessnoun
-
overcontributeverb
-
contributableadjective
-
contributiveadjective
-
noncontributableadjective
-
noncontributingadjective
-
noncontributiveadjective
-
uncontributedadjective
-
uncontributingadjective
-
uncontributiveadjective
-
contributivelyadverb
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
contributesimple
-
contributessimple
-
have contributedperfect
-
has contributedperfect
-
am contributingprogressive
-
are contributingprogressive
-
is contributingprogressive
-
have been contributingperfect progressive
-
has been contributingperfect progressive
Past
-
contributedsimple
-
had contributedperfect
-
was contributingprogressive
-
were contributingprogressive
-
had been contributingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of contribute
First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin contribūtus, past participle of contribuēre “to bring together”; see origin at con-, tribute
Explanation
To contribute something is to provide a part of the whole. When your company has their annual softball game and potluck picnic, you will probably be asked to contribute a dish, like your famous macaroni salad. Contribute comes from a Latin word that means “to bring together, add, or unite.” When you contribute to a cause, you are adding to what other people have kicked in, which makes the effort complete. You can contribute your singing talent to a traveling a cappella group; you can contribute money or time to save rhinoceroses; you can contribute cupcakes to the gymnastics team bake sale; or you can even contribute ideas on healthcare reform to a Washington think tank.
Vocabulary lists containing contribute
Tier 2 Words for the SBAC ELA Items
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade 11)
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Juan de Dios Ramirez Gonzalez, a principal at the elementary school stands in front of part of the mural he helped contribute to 2.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2026
Matts said the issue showed the importance of looking at how everyone can contribute, calling for long-term funding opportunities or "a slightly less rigid approach to how we create woodland".
From BBC • Jun. 26, 2026
If we punish risk, overregulate builders, sneer at industry, neglect education, or close the door to people who want to contribute, we will become less exceptional.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026
TPS holders contribute billions of dollars to the economy each year and pay billions of dollars in taxes and now they are wrestling with extraordinarily difficult decisions.
From Slate • Jun. 26, 2026
But they were not here to contribute their knowledge.
From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
