contribute

American

[kuhn-trib-yoot] / kənˈtrɪb yut /

verb (used with object)

contributed, contributing

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

Synonyms:

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

to contribute stories to a magazine.

verb (used without object)

contributed, contributing

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.

contribute British

/ kənˈtrɪbjuːt /

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of contribute

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

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.

"It could also contribute to safer data transmission, optical encryption and advanced imaging."

From Science Daily

Under Alonso, he contributed three goals and seven assists from 31 appearances.

From BBC

The money they spend on matchday tickets or replica shirts contributes in part to the stadium rebuild or transfer fee for a new player.

From BBC

Since 2020, Camille has contributed to several books and reviews, as well as the realization of visual supports for French scientific publications and institutions.

From The Wall Street Journal

Many factors have contributed to that, including Jeglertz's tactical adaptations, City's squad depth and they have not had to contend with Champions League football.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023