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

More than two-thirds of Scotland's councils supplied figures in response to the FOI request but other councils were unable to contribute due to way their data was stored.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

In certain cases, this may contribute to an irregular heartbeat called arrhythmia.

From Science Daily • May 18, 2026

But he added defence could be "a rapidly growing niche that could also contribute to the group’s financial results."

From Barron's • May 16, 2026

Inouye-Perez said she doesn’t like talking about Woolery and Grant much because she gets emotional, but she noted they bring calm to the Bruins’ lineup and help every player contribute to game-changing rallies.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2026

I was glad I at least had something to contribute.

From "P.S. Be Eleven" by Rita Williams-Garcia

Related Words

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