/ kənˈtrɪbjuːt; NAmE ; BrE also ˈkɒntrɪbjuːt/ verb
1.
contribute (sth) (to / towards sth) to give sth, especially money or goods, to help sb/sth :
[ vn ]
We contributed £5 000 to the earthquake fund.
[ v ]
Would you like to contribute to our collection?
Do you wish to contribute?
2.
[ v ] contribute (to sth) to be one of the causes of sth :
Medical negligence was said to have contributed to her death.
Human error may have been a contributing factor .
3.
contribute (sth) to sth to increase, improve or add to sth :
[ v ]
Immigrants have contributed to British culture in many ways.
[ vn ]
This book contributes little to our understanding of the subject.
4.
contribute (sth) (to sth) to write things for a newspaper, magazine, or a radio or television programme; to speak during a meeting or conversation, especially to give your opinion :
[ vn ]
She contributed a number of articles to the magazine.
[ v ]
He contributes regularly to the magazine 'New Scientist'.
We hope everyone will contribute to the discussion.
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 16th cent.: from Latin contribut- brought together, added, from the verb contribuere , from con- with + tribuere bestow.