contribution

[kon-truh-byoo-shuhn]

noun

1. the act of contributing.

2. something contributed.

   Synonyms: benefaction, donation, gift

3. an article, story, drawing, etc., furnished to a magazine or other publication.

4. an impost or levy.

5. Insurance.,  the method of distributing liability, in case of loss, among several insurers whose policies attach to the same risk.

contribution

/ ˌkɒntrɪˈbjuːʃən /

noun

1. the act of contributing

2. something contributed, such as money or ideas

3. an article, story, etc, contributed to a newspaper or other publication

4. insurance a portion of the total liability incumbent on each of two or more companies for a risk with respect to which all of them have issued policies

5. archaic,  a levy, esp towards the cost of a war

Other Word Forms

• contributional adjective
• noncontribution noun
• overcontribution noun
• precontribution noun
• supercontribution noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of contribution¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English contribucio(u)n, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin contribūtiōn-, stem of contribūtiō “payment, distribution,” literally, “a bringing together,” equivalent to contribūt(us) “brought together” (past participle of contribuere; contribute ) + -iō -ion

Example Sentences

Despite Los Angeles’ contributions to a rich literary history, the literary community struggles to stay rooted in place as writers’ spaces and financial support move elsewhere.

From Los Angeles Times

The protections and benefits of her dream of citizenship are on the line in a system increasingly hostile to outsiders, even those making a profound economic and cultural contribution to the common good.

From Los Angeles Times

The Times is also tracking contributions to two main opposition committees.

From Los Angeles Times

“I certainly will never sell my vote for a political contribution,” Dunlap insisted.

From Salon

Then, in Spanish, he thanked Latino fans in particular who’ve supported him and said that no one can erase their contributions to the United States.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• addition 
• donation 
• grant 
• improvement 
• increase 
• input