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.
The loss of experienced geologists, engineers and technicians contributed to a yearslong decline in a country that had once been one of the world’s largest exporters.
"I just need someone to help me get back to where I was, to earn more money and contribute more, but right now I don't feel I can work to my full potential. I'm stuck."
From BBC
The big announcement: Walter and two of his associated charities — his family foundation and the Dodgers’ foundation — would contribute up to $100 million as “an initial commitment” to LA Rises.
From Los Angeles Times
Bamberger contributed not only capital but an idiosyncratic management style—among his colorful incentive programs for employees was one called “the Gorilla Plan”—and a shrewd instinct for expansion.
Uncertainty regarding U.S. regulatory frameworks for digital assets contributes to crypto market unease.
From Barron's
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.
