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Glite Dictionary
to contribute

to contribute

883 2.7
To give money, help, or ideas to make something work
  • verb
  • /kənˈtrɪbjuːt/
translation icon : contribuir
  • I just wanted to tell you that your words really resonated with me, and I hope to one day contribute to the city in the way that you do.
  • contributing factors
  • contribute significantly
  • contribute to success

There is no evidence that vaccines contribute to autism spectrum.

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Examples

  • As your partner, we will contribute to that cost.

    The Rich Dad Channel

  • The purpose is to contribute to the literature and to contribute to the understanding of the SLDD.

    Academic text (2011)

  • We want you to work here and contribute to our society.

  • And an artist can contribute more than just the art sometimes.

    Film Courage

  • Everybody in Germany had to contribute to health insurance.

  • Also, will it be able to contribute to climate science?

  • Would you like to contribute to the conversation?

    The Black Dahlia (2006)

  • One, the first is to contribute to an ongoing lab project.

  • Practice nurses have as much to contribute to this as GPs and other professionals.

    Academic text (2011)

  • Every member of the team is encouraged to contribute their ideas during the brainstorming session.

Synonyms

to give
vsto contribute
∞ 1.0

To offer time, effort, or money to help others

is broader, joining efforts to achieve a group result
to add
vsto contribute
∞ 1.0

Include something extra to make something larger or better

focuses on changing size or quality rather than supporting a result
to donate
vsto contribute
457 2.7

Give money, things, or time to help a charity

is typically voluntary and aimed at charities rather than group work
to lend
vsto contribute
99 3.8

Give something a certain quality or feeling

is broader, covering financial, practical, and idea based assistance
to put up
vsto contribute
81 3.7

Give money needed for a purpose

suggests supplying a needed amount rather than general assistance
to pitch in
vsto contribute
58 3.3

Join others to give work, help, or money for a shared task

focuses on shared group action rather than isolated help
to chip in
vsto contribute
31 3.2

Give money or help together to reach a shared goal

often means joining a group effort rather than acting alone
to kick in
vsto contribute
  • Informal
18 4.1

Give money to help pay for a shared cost

is often used for financial help rather than other support types
to impart
vsto contribute
17 4.8

To give a quality or feeling to something

adds a specific quality rather than offering practical or group help
to conduce to
vsto contribute
  • Formal
1 8.0

Help something happen or make it more likely

emphasizes causing outcomes rather than providing direct help or resources
to conduce
vsto contribute
  • Formal
1 9.0

To help something happen

stresses influencing outcomes rather than supplying effort or items

Antonyms

to withhold
210 5.1

Refuse to give something someone wants or needs

to withdraw
159 3.5

To take money or things out of a place where they are kept

How Much

to donate
457 2.7
to provide
∞ 1.5
to contribute
883 2.7
help
∞ 1.0
to offer
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

contribute infinitive
contributed past
contributed past participle
contributing present participle
contributes third person singular

Morphology

contribute = tribute (semi-transparent) = con + tribute

The form combines the productive prefix 'con-' (together) with the noun 'tribute', but 'tribute' in modern English does not directly mean 'to give', so the semantic connection is only partially obvious to average learners.

Etymology

The word contribute comes from two parts: con- meaning 'with' and tribuere meaning 'to give', the same root as tribute. So, to contribute is to 'give with others' or add your part, which is why it means giving money, help, or ideas to help a group.