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

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

In addition, Okta’s AI products didn’t materially contribute to the solid first-quarter financials and aren’t significantly factored into the fiscal 2027 outlook.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

Cabinet minister Pat McFadden acknowledged the government had "asked business to contribute more", adding "we help them where we can".

From BBC • May 29, 2026

Recognizing that even a doctor could not secure three bodies at once without raising suspicion, Mudgett and his accomplice agreed that each should contribute toward “the necessary supply.”

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

Related Words

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