contribute

[ kuhn-trib-yoot ]
See synonyms for: contributecontributedcontributescontributing on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object),con·trib·ut·ed, con·trib·ut·ing.
  1. to give (money, time, knowledge, assistance, etc.) to a common supply, fund, etc., as for charitable purposes.

  2. to furnish (an original written work, drawing, etc.) for publication: to contribute stories to a magazine.

verb (used without object),con·trib·ut·ed, con·trib·ut·ing.
  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.

  1. to be an important factor; help to cause something:A sudden downpour contributed to the traffic jam.

Origin of contribute

1
First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin contribūtus, past participle of contribuēre “to bring together”; see origin at con-, tribute

Other words for contribute

Other words from contribute

  • con·trib·ut·a·ble, adjective
  • con·trib·u·tive, adjective
  • con·trib·u·tive·ly, adverb
  • con·trib·u·tive·ness, noun
  • non·con·trib·ut·a·ble, adjective
  • non·con·trib·ut·ing, adjective
  • non·con·trib·u·tive, adjective
  • non·con·trib·u·tive·ness, noun
  • o·ver·con·trib·ute, verb, o·ver·con·trib·ut·ed, o·ver·con·trib·ut·ing.
  • pre·con·trib·ute, verb (used with object), pre·con·trib·ut·ed, pre·con·trib·ut·ing.
  • un·con·trib·ut·ed, adjective
  • un·con·trib·ut·ing, adjective
  • un·con·trib·u·tive, adjective
  • un·con·trib·u·tive·ness, noun

Words Nearby contribute

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use contribute in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for contribute

contribute

/ (kənˈtrɪbjuːt) /


verb(often foll by to)
  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

  1. (intr) to be partly instrumental (in) or responsible (for): drink contributed to the accident

  2. to write (articles) for a publication

Origin of contribute

1
C16: from Latin contribuere to collect, from tribuere to grant, bestow

Derived forms of contribute

  • contributable, adjective
  • contributive, adjective
  • contributively, adverb
  • contributiveness, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012