noun
1 sth that helps cause/increase sth
ADJECTIVE
▪ important , meaningful , significant
▪ big , enormous , great , huge , major , strong , substantial
▪ minor , modest , small
▪ invaluable , positive , useful , valuable
▪
We like to think that we are making a positive ~ to society.
▪ distinguished , notable , outstanding , seminal , unique
▪
He was recognized for his unique ~ to the arts.
▪ individual , personal
▪
Each of these writers has made an individual ~ to the discussion.
▪ relative
▪
Researchers have argued over the relative ~s of nature and nurture to the human personality.
VERB + CONTRIBUTION
▪ make
▪
He made a major ~ to peace in the region.
▪ acknowledge , appreciate , recognize , value
▪
The author acknowledges the ~s of scientist Charles Green.
PREPOSITION
▪ ~ to
▪
a valuable ~ to science
2 money given to help pay for sth
ADJECTIVE
▪ generous , large
▪ small
▪ annual , monthly
▪ charitable ( esp. AmE )
▪ voluntary
▪
We rely entirely on voluntary ~s.
▪ campaign ( esp. AmE )
▪ insurance , pension
▪
employers' pension and health insurance ~s
▪ tax-deductible
VERB + CONTRIBUTION
▪ make , offer , pay
▪ ask for , solicit
PREPOSITION
▪ ~ to , ~ towards/toward
▪
Residents made a net ~ to public finances of $2.6 billion.
▪
We were asked to make a ~ towards the cost of the meal. ( BrE )