contribute
kuhn-TRIHB-yoot
Contribute (verb) means to give something, such as money, effort, or ideas, that becomes part of a larger effort or whole. Example: “Everyone in the office contributed to the leaving gift.”
verb
1
To give something, such as money, effort, or ideas, that becomes part of a larger effort or whole.
"to contribute articles to a journal"
"Everyone in the office contributed to the leaving gift."
"Poor sleep can contribute to memory problems."
"Each neighbour contributed a dish to the street party."
"to contribute money to a church fund"
How to use contribute
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo add your share — money, effort, or ideas — to something bigger.
Common pairings
contribute to
contribute money
contribute an idea
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- contributes
- Past tense
- contributed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Everyone in the office _____ to the leaving gift.
Etymology
From Latin contributus, past participle of contribuere ("to bring together, unite"), from con- ("together") plus tribuere ("to bestow, allot").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for contribute
See all rhymes for contribute →Frequently asked questions
What does “contribute” mean?
The word “contribute” means to give something, such as money, effort, or ideas, that becomes part of a larger effort or whole. In plain terms, to add your share — money, effort, or ideas — to something bigger.
How do you pronounce “contribute”?
“Contribute” is pronounced kuhn-TRIHB-yoot (/kənˈtɹɪb.jut/ in IPA).
How do you use “contribute” in a sentence?
Here is “contribute” used in a sentence: “Everyone in the office contributed to the leaving gift.”
What part of speech is “contribute”?
“Contribute” is a verb.
Where does the word “contribute” come from?
The word “contribute” comes from Latin. From Latin contributus, past participle of contribuere ("to bring together, unite"), from con- ("together") plus tribuere ("to bestow, allot").
Is “contribute” a common word?
“Contribute” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between contribute and donate?
To contribute is to give money, effort, or ideas that become part of a larger effort or whole, and it covers many kinds of giving. To donate is narrower and usually refers specifically to giving money or goods, often to a charity or cause; you can contribute ideas or labour, but you would not normally 'donate' them.
Do you say 'contribute to' or 'contribute towards'?
Both are correct. 'Contribute to' is the more common and versatile choice, while 'contribute towards' tends to stress giving part of a total, as in contributing towards the cost of a gift.
What is the difference between contribute and participate?
To contribute is to give something, such as money, effort, or ideas, that adds to a larger whole. To participate is simply to take part in an activity; you can participate in a meeting without contributing anything, and you can contribute money without personally participating.
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