contribute
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
-
to give to a common supply, fund, etc..
He contributes to many charities.
-
to furnish written works, drawings, etc., for publication.
Our thanks to those who contributed to our alumni newsletter.
-
to be an important factor; help to cause something.
A sudden downpour contributed to the traffic jam.
verb
-
to give (support, money, etc) for a common purpose or fund
-
to supply (ideas, opinions, etc) as part of a debate or discussion
-
(intr) to be partly instrumental (in) or responsible (for)
drink contributed to the accident
-
to write (articles) for a publication
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
-
contributivenessnoun
-
noncontributivenessnoun
-
uncontributivenessnoun
-
overcontributeverb
-
contributableadjective
-
contributiveadjective
-
noncontributableadjective
-
noncontributingadjective
-
noncontributiveadjective
-
uncontributedadjective
-
uncontributingadjective
-
uncontributiveadjective
-
contributivelyadverb
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
contributesimple
-
contributessimple
-
have contributedperfect
-
has contributedperfect
-
am contributingprogressive
-
are contributingprogressive
-
is contributingprogressive
-
have been contributingperfect progressive
-
has been contributingperfect progressive
Past
-
contributedsimple
-
had contributedperfect
-
was contributingprogressive
-
were contributingprogressive
-
had been contributingperfect progressive
Future
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade 11)
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
“Stripper wells” like these contribute relatively little to the U.S. energy supply but emit vast amounts of methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas.
From Salon • Jun. 24, 2026
I bought a house with my brother, but he did not contribute.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 24, 2026
Those practices allegedly contribute to pharmacy closures, “leaving families and seniors with fewer options and higher costs,” the AG’s office said.
From Barron's • Jun. 23, 2026
The government will also contribute £3m towards cricket facilities at Stormont estate in Belfast.
From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026
Depew sent an immediate response: “I am at your service when ordered and quite ready after today’s events to contribute my body to Chicago science.”
From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson
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.
