contribute

American  

[kuhn-trib-yoot] / kənˈtrɪb yut /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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”; 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.

Example Sentences

The first was that workers had to contribute for 10 years to earn permanent access to benefits, which would have left people who were close to retirement having to contribute but getting nothing in return.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

To that end, the campaign pays for small Instagram boosts to its videos as well as for Instagram ads asking people to contribute to Huang’s campaign.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

A development plan by the local government is targeting the industry to contribute around $3 billion in annual finished-product output by next year—less than 1% of the city’s total industrial production in 2023.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Odyssey orbiter, Curiosity rover, and Perseverance rover will contribute observations and navigation support.

From Science Daily • May 11, 2026

“I look forward to seeing what you all have to contribute to the Collective. We have much work to do and little time.”

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera

Related Words

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