B2verb2K

Contribute

UK /["/kənˈtrɪbjuːt//ˈkɒntrɪbjuːt/","/kənˈtrɪbjuːts//ˈkɒntrɪbjuːts/","/kənˈtrɪbjuːtɪd//ˈkɒntrɪbjuːtɪd/","/kənˈtrɪbjuːtɪŋ//ˈkɒntrɪbjuːtɪŋ/"]/US /["/kənˈtrɪbjuːt/","/kənˈtrɪbjuːts/","/kənˈtrɪbjuːtɪd/","/kənˈtrɪbjuːtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to give something, especially money or goods, to help achieve or provide something

In simple words: To give something, like money or help, to a cause or project.

Examples

  • Everyone is encouraged to contribute to the community project.
  • She plans to contribute her time and skills to the charity.
  • Many companies contribute to environmental conservation efforts.
  • It's important to contribute to discussions during meetings.
  • By volunteering, you can contribute to the well-being of others.
  • His research will contribute significantly to the field of medicine.
  • The artist wanted to contribute a new perspective through her work.
  • They established a fund to contribute to local educational programs.

Usage notes

Use 'contribute' when you are giving something to a group effort. It's appropriate in most contexts, both formal and informal, especially when discussing teamwork or donations.

Grammar pattern

contribute + object

Memory hint

Think of a coin being added to a 'contribution box' to remember 'contribute'.

Collocations

  • enormously
  • generously
  • greatly
  • be asked to
  • be encouraged to
  • to
  • towards/​toward
  • have little, a lot, etc. to contribute (to something)
  • greatly
  • importantly
  • largely
  • to
  • regularly
  • to

Synonyms

  • donate
  • give
  • add
  • assist
  • support

Antonyms

  • withdraw
  • take away
  • deprive

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'attribute' — they have different meanings.
  • Using 'contribute' without an object, which is incorrect.
  • Mixing up 'contribute to' with 'contribute for' — the correct phrase is 'contribute to'.