contribute

/kənˈtrɪbjut/

/ˈkɒntrɪbjut/

Other forms: contributed; contributing; contributes

To contribute something is to provide a part of the whole. When your company has their annual softball game and potluck picnic, you will probably be asked to contribute a dish, like your famous macaroni salad.

Contribute comes from a Latin word that means “to bring together, add, or unite.” When you contribute to a cause, you are adding to what other people have kicked in, which makes the effort complete. You can contribute your singing talent to a traveling a cappella group; you can contribute money or time to save rhinoceroses; you can contribute cupcakes to the gymnastics team bake sale; or you can even contribute ideas on healthcare reform to a Washington think tank.

Definitions of contribute

1. verb

   provide
   synonyms: put up

   type of:

   pay

   give money, usually in exchange for goods or services
2. verb

   contribute to some cause
   synonyms: chip in, give, kick in

   types:

   combine

   add together from different sources

   type of:

   give

   transfer possession of something concrete or abstract to somebody
3. verb

   bestow a quality on
   synonyms: add, bestow, bring, impart, lend

   types:

   factor

   be a contributing factor

   instill, transfuse

   impart gradually

   tinsel

   impart a cheap brightness to

   throw in

   add as an extra or as a gratuity

   breathe

   impart as if by breathing

   type of:

   alter, change, modify

   cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
4. verb

   be conducive to
   synonyms: conduce, lead

   type of:

   advance, boost, encourage, further, promote

   contribute to the progress or growth of