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
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contributableadjective
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contributiveadjective
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contributivelyadverb
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contributivenessnoun
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noncontributableadjective
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noncontributingadjective
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noncontributiveadjective
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noncontributivenessnoun
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overcontributeverb
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precontributeverb (used with object)
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uncontributedadjective
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uncontributingadjective
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uncontributiveadjective
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uncontributivenessnoun
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
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PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)
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PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade 11)
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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.
But when inflammation becomes excessive, it can damage tissues and contribute to death.
From Science Daily • Jun. 1, 2026
A variety of factors contribute to career stagnation, even among professionals who are gainfully employed or switch jobs.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026
He added that the investment will create jobs, strengthen France’s digital infrastructure, and contribute to its goal of “digital sovereignty.”
From Barron's • May 31, 2026
In his speech on Sunday at the Shangri-la Dialogue, Koizumi said it was "only natural" that every country, including Japan, updates its defences to meet new challenges and to contribute to peace in the region.
From BBC • May 31, 2026
The real questions were: How was I going to contribute to that progress, and wasn't there a way to speed it up?
From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals
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.
