contribute
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
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to give to a common supply, fund, etc..
He contributes to many charities.
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to furnish written works, drawings, etc., for publication.
Our thanks to those who contributed to our alumni newsletter.
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to be an important factor; help to cause something.
A sudden downpour contributed to the traffic jam.
verb
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to give (support, money, etc) for a common purpose or fund
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to supply (ideas, opinions, etc) as part of a debate or discussion
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(intr) to be partly instrumental (in) or responsible (for)
drink contributed to the accident
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to write (articles) for a publication
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.
James contributed four hits, including two doubles, and Miles had a home run and three RBIs.
From Los Angeles Times
That rebel group put heavy pressure on U.S. forces and aircraft carriers, contributing to a number of accidents, including one where a U.S. destroyer shot down an American jet.
"When a grocer is faced with those sorts of pricing dynamics in an industry that has razor-thin margins, it makes it incredibly difficult to compete - and it contributes to closures," Van Dyck says.
From BBC
The loss of sea ice contributes to global warming as the bright white surface makes ir replaced by darker ocean water, which absorbs more sunlight and retains heat.
From Barron's
You are not legally responsible for paying for your mother’s care out of your own pocket, and if you can’t contribute because you have other needs, you aren’t really morally required to, either.
From MarketWatch
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.
