kən.ˈtribyət, -i(ˌ)byüt, chiefly in substand speech -_bə̇t; usu -d.+V verb
( contributed -yəd.ə̇d, -yətə̇d ; contributed “ ; contributing -yəd.iŋ, -yətiŋ ; contributes -yəts, -yüts)
Etymology: Latin contributus, past participle of contribuere to bring together, from com- + tribuere to grant, impart — more at tribute
transitive verb
1.
a. : to give or grant in common with others (as to a common fund or for a common purpose) : give (money or other aid) for a specified object
contribute $10 to the project
b. : to furnish or supply (as a share or part to the advance of a project or development)
primitive living conditions … have contributed a lot to the drift away from these Kimberley stations — F.J.R.Rodd
: add (as knowledge or effort) to a common interest or activity
these explorers contributed much to our knowledge of the Arctic
2. : to supply (as an article) for a publication
intransitive verb
1. obsolete : to pay tribute
2. : to give a part to a common fund or store : lend assistance or aid to a common purpose : have a share in any act or effect
they … contributed to obstruct the progress of wisdom — Oliver Goldsmith
3. : to write and submit articles to a publication
has written novels and contributed to magazines