contribution
kont-rih-BYOO-shuhn
Contribution (noun) means something given, such as money, time, or effort, that adds to a bigger effort. Example: “Her contribution to the charity was generous.”
noun
1
Something given, such as money, time, or effort, that adds to a bigger effort.
"Her contribution to the charity was generous."
"His research made a major contribution to the field."
"Every volunteer made a valuable contribution to the street fair."
"He made a contribution of $100 for the victims of the flood."
How to use contribution
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhat someone gives or adds toward a shared goal or cause.
Common pairings
make a contribution
valuable contribution
financial contribution
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Word forms
- Plural
- contributions
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Her _____ to the charity was generous.
Etymology
From Old French contribution, from Latin contributio, from contribuere ("to bring together"); by formation, contribute plus -ion.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for contribution
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for contribution →
Frequently asked questions
What does “contribution” mean?
The word “contribution” means something given, such as money, time, or effort, that adds to a bigger effort. In plain terms, what someone gives or adds toward a shared goal or cause.
How do you pronounce “contribution”?
“Contribution” is pronounced kont-rih-BYOO-shuhn (/ˌkɑntɹɪˈbjuʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “contribution” in a sentence?
Here is “contribution” used in a sentence: “Her contribution to the charity was generous.”
What part of speech is “contribution”?
“Contribution” is a noun.
Where does the word “contribution” come from?
The word “contribution” comes from Latin. From Old French contribution, from Latin contributio, from contribuere ("to bring together"); by formation, contribute plus -ion.
Is “contribution” a common word?
“Contribution” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a contribution and a donation?
A contribution is something given, such as money, time, or effort, that adds to a bigger effort. A donation almost always refers to money or goods given to a charity or cause, so it is narrower; a contribution can be non-material, such as ideas or labour.
Do you say 'contribution to' or 'contribution towards'?
Both are acceptable. 'Contribution to' is the general form for adding to a project, fund, or field, while 'contribution towards' often highlights that the amount is part of a larger total, such as a contribution towards someone's expenses.
What is the difference between a contribution and an input?
A contribution is something given that adds to a bigger effort, and it can be money, time, or effort. 'Input' usually refers specifically to ideas, information, or feedback that someone offers, making it a narrower kind of contribution.
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