verb

contribute

kuhn-TRIHB-yoot

verb

To give something, such as money, effort, or ideas, that becomes part of a larger effort or whole.

"Everyone in the office contributed to the leaving gift."

"Poor sleep can contribute to memory problems."

How to Use Contribute

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo add your share — money, effort, or ideas — to something bigger.

Common pairings

contribute to contribute money contribute an idea

contributed past tense, contributes singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Can you complete this real example?

Everyone in the office _____ to the leaving gift.

From Latin contributus, past participle of contribuere ("to bring together, unite"), from con- ("together") plus tribuere ("to bestow, allot").

ute cute mute lute flute acute haute brute chute route minute refute