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contribute

[ kuhn-trib-yoot ]
/ kənˈtrɪb yut /
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See synonyms for: contribute / contributed / contributes / contributing on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), con·trib·ut·ed, con·trib·ut·ing.
to give (money, time, knowledge, assistance, etc.) to a common supply, fund, etc., as for charitable purposes.
to furnish (an original written work, drawing, etc.) for publication: to contribute stories to a magazine.
verb (used without object), con·trib·ut·ed, con·trib·ut·ing.
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.
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Origin of contribute

First recorded in1520–30; from Latin contribūtus, past participle of contribuēre “to bring together”; see origin at con-, tribute

OTHER WORDS FROM contribute

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use contribute in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for contribute

contribute
/ (kənˈtrɪbjuːt) /

verb (often foll by to)
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

Derived forms of contribute

contributable, adjectivecontributive, adjectivecontributively, adverbcontributiveness, noun

Word Origin for contribute

C16: from Latin contribuere to collect, from tribuere to grant, bestow
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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