contributecon‧trib‧ute /kənˈtrɪbjuːt/ ●●○ S3 W2 AWL verb 
City employees cannot contribute to political campaigns.contribute something to/towards something The volunteers contribute their own time to the project.2[intransitive] to help to make something happen: Stress is a contributing factor in many illnesses.contribute to Alcohol contributes to 100,000 deaths a year in the US.contribute substantially/significantly/greatly etc to something His work contributed substantially to our knowledge of the disease and how to treat it.3[intransitive, transitive] to write articles, stories, poems etc for a newspaper or magazinecontribute to one of several authors contributing to the bookGRAMMARSomeone or something contributes to something: · Will you contribute to his leaving gift?· Everyone contributed to the success of the project. ✗Don’t say: contribute for something
WORD ORIGINcontribute
Origin:
1500-1600 Latin past participle of contribuere, from com- ( ➔ COM-) + tribuere ( ➔ TRIBUTE)VERB TABLE
contribute
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | contribute |
| he, she, it | contributes | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | contributed |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have contributed |
| he, she, it | has contributed | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had contributed |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will contribute |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have contributed |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am contributing |
| he, she, it | is contributing | |
| you, we, they | are contributing | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was contributing |
| you, we, they | were contributing | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been contributing |
| he, she, it | has been contributing | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been contributing |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be contributing |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been contributing |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- During the discussions MacDonald seemed to be listening, but he had nothing to contribute.
- I'd like to thank all of you who contributed to the hospital appeal.
- My parents said they would contribute something towards the cost of my driving lessons.
- Readers are invited to contribute their opinions on any of the issues discussed here.
- Several hundred people contributed articles, photographs, and cartoons.
- When we have class debates we try and get all the kids to contribute.
- All these contributed much to a sense of fellowship and corporate social identity as well as providing opportunities for personal development and individual enrichment.
- Examiner correspondent Sandra Ann Harris contributed to this report.
- I feel good that I can contribute.
- It negates home-field advantage for home-grown retailers and contributes to urban sprawl.
- Product delays contributed nearly $ 400 million in sales that would have normally come in the third quarter, analysts said.
- She's hoping that private businesses will contribute to the upkeep.
- She chose the Council because she felt she wanted something where she could contribute to the community.
- The more ideas the better, pupils and colleagues can be asked to contribute. 4.
Longman Language Activatorto be one of the causes of something
if something plays a part in something, it is one of several things that makes it happen or be successful: · Many cases of breast cancer have genetic causes, but environmental substances may also play a part.play a part in: · It is not yet known if weather conditions played a part in the accident.· The genius of the two designers has played a big part in the company's recent success.
if something contributes to a situation or event, it is one of the things that make it happen: · An increase in the price of drugs has contributed to the rising cost of medical care.· It is thought that the pilot's negligence may have contributed to the disaster.
formal: contributory cause/factor one of several causes of something that happens, but not the main cause: · Malnutrition was considered to have been a contributory cause of death.· Alcohol is a contributory factor in at least 50% of the violent crimes reported.
when several people give some of the total money needed to give some of the money that is needed to pay for something: contribute to: · I'd like to thank all of you who contributed to the hospital appeal.contribute something to/towards something: · My parents said they would contribute something towards the cost of my driving lessons.
to give an amount of money that when added to money given by other people, can be used to pay for something useful: · If we all make a contribution, we'll be able to get him something really nice.make a contribution to/towards: · Several local businesses have made contributions towards our new school bus.
to collect money from each of the people in a group, especially in order to buy something for someone: · They had a collection at the bar and they raised over $80.have a collection for: · We're having a collection for Jane's birthday present.
informal if everyone in a group chips in an amount of money, they each give an amount so that they can pay for something together: · We all chipped in to pay for the food and wine.· When Mona retired, all her co-workers chipped in and bought her a lovely dinner service. chip in with: · Electronics firm Compol chipped in with over $20,000.
British /give toward something American to give part of the money needed to pay for something: pay/give something towards something: · I don't mind paying something towards Samantha's wedding present.· She feels it's partly her fault the TV's broken, so she's ready to pay $50 toward a new one.pay/give towards something: · Although students receive government grants, parents are still expected to pay towards living costs.
British informal if a group of people have a whip-round , everyone in the group immediately gives some money in order to buy something with the total amount that is collected: · It's Sally's birthday tomorrow. We'd better have a whip-round so we can get her a present.
to take part in an event, activity, discussion etc · She wanted to take part but she was too ill.· The program teaches children about conservation, and about 30 schools are taking part.take part in · Nearly 500 teams took part in the competition.· Police have arrested a number of people who took part in the riot.· She was asked to take part in a TV debate on drugs.take an active/leading part · John has taken an active part in getting artists together for the festival.
to take part in an activity with a small number of other people, often something bad or illegal: · Choosing a school is an important decision, and both parents ought to be involved.be involved in: · At least three politicians are involved in the scandal.· The two men have denied being involved in Troy's kidnapping and murder.· Roughly two-thirds of high school students are involved in volunteer community work.
formal to take part in an activity, especially an organized activity: · There are regular class discussions, but some of the students never participate.· Being a spectator wasn't as enjoyable as participating.participate in: · Over 300 local firms participated in the survey.· Members can participate in any of the trips organized by the club.· Our employees are encouraged to participate in the decision making process.
to take part in some way in an activity or piece of work, especially one which has a useful result or purpose: · Our goal is to make sure everyone plays a part and shares in the credit.· Although the budget committees guide Congress's actions on spending, every committee plays a role.play a part/role in: · Hart clearly played a role in the decision to change admission standards.· Together with the police everyone can play a part in improving the security of their neighborhood.play an active/large/important etc part/role: · Men now play a larger part in looking after their children.· The most effective learning occurs when the child is allowed to play a more active role in the learning process.· The Secretary of State played a leading role in the government's successful foreign policy.· Schneider played a key role in getting the organization started.
to actively take part in the work of an organization such as a political group or church: · He is very active in the church's work with homeless people.· In school I was very active in sports and student government.· Allen, who is still on the board, is no longer active in the day-to-day management of the company.
to actively take part in a group discussion or group activity, especially by giving your opinions and ideas: · When we have class debates we try and get all the kids to contribute.· During the discussions MacDonald seemed to be listening, but he had nothing to contribute.contribute ideas/suggestions etc: · Readers are invited to contribute their opinions on any of the issues discussed here.
to take part in a TV or radio programme: · Forbes appeared on "Meet the Press" to discuss recent political developments.· He has often appeared on the BBC sports programme "A Question of Sport".
formal to be taking part in an activity, a conversation etc, especially one that continues for a long period of time: · The Nationalists have been engaged in a bitter fifteen-year armed struggle for independence.· During dinner I found myself engaged in a long complicated discussion with the doctor's wife.
involving doing or learning about something by taking part in it yourself, rather than just watching, reading about it, or hearing about it from someone else: · The training programs give students practical hands-on experience.· The exhibit includes numerous hands-on activities, including several archaeological dig stations.· Mr Garvey is known as a hands-on manager with an in-depth knowledge of the whole company.
WORD SETSabstract, nounagony aunt, nounagony column, nounannual, nounanthology, nounantiquarian, adjectiveappendix, nounarticle, nounauthor, nounautobiography, nounback, nounbackslash, nounbackspace, nounballoon, nounbanner headline, nounbestiary, nounbest-seller, nounbibliography, nounbibliophile, nounbind, verbbinder, nounbinding, nounbiographer, nounbiography, nounblackout, nounbold, adjectiveboldface, nounbook, nounbookbinding, nounbooklet, nounbookmark, nounbookmobile, nounbookplate, nounbookseller, nounbookshop, nounbookstall, nounbookstore, nounbound, adjectivebox, nounbraille, nounbroadsheet, nounbrochure, nounbubble, nounbulletin, nounby-line, nouncalendar, nouncaption, nouncarry, verbcatalogue, nouncentrefold, nounchain letter, nounchapbook, nounchapter, nounchequebook journalism, nouncircular, nouncirculation, nouncity desk, nouncity editor, nounclassified ad, nounclip, nounclipping, nouncodex, nouncol, collection, nouncolour supplement, nouncolumn, nouncolumnist, nouncomic, nouncomic strip, nouncommentary, nouncommentator, nouncompanion, nouncompendium, nouncomposition, nouncompositor, nouncontribute, verbcontributor, nouncopy, nouncopy editor, nouncopyist, nouncorrespondent, nouncoursebook, nouncover girl, nouncover story, nouncross-refer, verbcross-reference, nouncutting, noundaily, noundesk, noundiarist, noundiary, noundictionary, noundime novel, noundirectory, noundog-eared, adjectivedoorstep, verbdotted line, noundraft, noundraft, verbDTP, noundust jacket, nouned., edit, verbedition, nouneditor, nouneditorial, nouneditorship, nounemend, verbencyclopedia, nounentry, nounerratum, nounet al, adverbet cetera, adverbexclusive, nounexposure, nounexpurgated, adjectivefeature, nounff, figure, nounfiller, nounfinancial supermarket, Fleet Street, fly leaf, nounfolio, nounfollow-up, nounfont, nounfootnote, nounforeword, nounformat, nounformat, verbfrontispiece, nounfull-page, adjectivefull stop, nounfunny papers, noungagging order, galley, noungazette, noungazetteer, nounghost, verbghost writer, noungloss, noungloss, verbglossary, nounglossy, noungonzo journalism, noungossip column, noungraphic design, nounguide, nounguillotine, nounhack, nounhagiography, nounhalftone, nounhandbill, nounhandbook, nounhardback, nounhardcover, nounheading, nounheadline, nounheadline, verbheadword, nounhistory, nounhumorist, nounillustrate, verbillustration, nounimpression, nounimprimatur, nounimprint, nounindent, verbindentation, nounindex, nounindex, verbinsert, nouninset, nouninset, verbinstalment, nouninterpolate, verbISBN, nounissue, nounitalicize, verbitalics, nounjacket, nounjournal, nounjournalese, nounjournalism, nounjournalist, nounjourno, nounl, landscape, nounlayout, nounleader, nounleading article, nounleaf, nounletter-size, adjectivelibrary, nounlimited edition, nounlined, adjectiveLinotype, nounliterature, nounlocal paper, nounlocal rag, nounloose-leaf, adjectivelower case, nounmag, nounmagazine, nounmanuscript, nounmargin, nounmasthead, nounmezzotint, nounmicrofiche, nounmisprint, nounmonograph, nounmonthly, nounmorocco, nounmuckraking, nounN/A, N.B., news, nounnews agency, nounnewshound, nounnewsletter, nounnewspaper, nounnewsprint, nounnews release, nounnon-fiction, nounnote, nounnotebook, nounnotice, nounnumber, nounobituary, nounoffprint, nounoffset, adjectiveomnibus, nounop. cit., open letter, nounorgan, nounoverleaf, adverboverprint, verbp., pagination, nounpamphlet, nounpamphleteer, nounpap, nounpaparazzi, nounpaper, nounpaperback, nounpaperboy, nounpaper girl, nounpaper round, nounpaper shop, nounpara, passage, nounpaste-up, nounperiodical, nounpersonal ad, nounpersonal column, nounphrasebook, nounpicture book, nounpiece, nounplate, nounpocketbook, nounpp., prequel, nounpress, nounpress baron, nounpress box, nounpress conference, nounpress corps, nounpress cutting, nounpress gallery, nounpressman, nounpress office, nounpress release, nounprint, verbprint, nounprinted matter, nounprinter, nounprinting, nounprinting ink, nounprinting press, nounproblem page, nounproof, nounproofread, verbpublication, nounpublish, verbpublisher, nounpublishing, nounpull-out, nounquarterly, adjectivequarterly, nounquarto, nounquire, nounquotation, nounquote, verbrag, nounreader, nounreadership, nounreading, nounream, nounred ink, nounreference, nounreference book, nounreference library, nounrelease, verbreprint, verbreproduce, verbreproduction, nounreproductive, adjectivereview, nounreview, verbreviewer, nounrevise, verbrevision, nounrider, nounroman, nounsans serif, nounsaturation, nounscare story, nounscoop, nounscoop, verbsection, nounserif, nounset, verbsilk screen, adjectivesketch, nounslipcase, nounsmall ad, nounsoft porn, nounsource, nounspace, nounspine, nounsplash, verbspoiler, nounstay of execution, nounstop press, nounstory, nounstorybook, nounstringer, nounstrip, nounstrip cartoon, nounsub, nounsub, verbsubedit, verbsub-editor, nounsubheading, nounsubscribe, verbsubscriber, nounsubscription, nounsuperscript, adjectivesupplement, nounsymposium, nounsyndicate, verbtable, nountabloid, nountext, nounthumb index, nountitle page, nountome, nountract, nountreatise, nountrot, nountype, nountypeface, nountypescript, nountypesetting, nountypographer, nountypography, nounvanity press, nounvellum, nounvignette, nounvol., volume, nounweekly, nounwell-thumbed, adjectivewoodblock, nounwrite-up, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Stress is a contributing factor in many illnesses. His work contributed substantially to our knowledge of the disease and how to treat it.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
Stress is a contributing factor in many illnesses. His work contributed substantially to our knowledge of the disease and how to treat it. (=someone who writes articles for a newspaper or magazine, or who writes part of a book, report etc)· Ms Gomez was a contributing author to Chapter 1 of the WG II Report.
(=one that helps to make something happen)· Stress is a contributing factor in many illnesses.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB· Fishing, hunting, and the gathering of edible roots and berries also contribute significantly to the Zande diet.· While about a dozen local developers also contributed to the effort, most only gave $ 100.· It also contributes to debtors' sense of hopelessness, because as soon as one crisis is sorted out, another hits them.· In addition, continuing maintenance and repair of all kinds of existing structures will also contribute to demand for these professionals.· Marx, the museum's director, has also contributed an introduction to the catalogue.· Other Navy officials, speaking on background, said other factors including operational needs and scheduling also contributed to the decision.· Alcohol may also contribute to nocturnal hypoxaemia by causing narrowing of the upper airways.· The incident also contributed to a four-week delay in completing repairs to the submarine.
· Successful nominees to the committee contribute greatly to the Trust's work, offering a wealth of specialist expertise and experience.· They felt a need to reorder a broken world, a need that contributed greatly to their intellectual growth.· This form of characterisation greatly contributes to the enjoyment of this novel.· Communications difficulties contributed greatly to a complete lack of coordination of efforts.· The curve of the blade contributed greatly to this, as Henry Stephens showed in his Book of the Farm.· At the same time he participated vigorously in the debates and contributed greatly to the clarification of many issues.· This type of arable cropping could contribute greatly to the income of smaller units.· It may seem odd, but this deviant definition of homosexuality contributed greatly to the rise of gay liberation.
· It is often argued that television has contributed much to the trivialization of politics in general and to the nomination process in particular.· All these contributed much to a sense of fellowship and corporate social identity as well as providing opportunities for personal development and individual enrichment.· Even so, a spirit of close cooperation and bonhomie was generated, contributing much to the success of the Workshop.· In this case the animals get quite a good deal, but in neither case do they contribute much to wealth.· However, they contribute much to the power with which the big set pieces are delivered.· Each contributed much, but they did not often speak to each other, and indeed almost literally could not speak to each other.· That cabinet came as a huge disappointment to the public and opposition, contributing much to the present unstable atmosphere.
· Fishing, hunting, and the gathering of edible roots and berries also contribute significantly to the Zande diet.· So Olajuwon tells himself he should contribute significantly to what the Rockets are trying to do, and he is right.· Nor did his philosophy contribute significantly to the development of the scientific enterprise in succeeding generations.· Clearly, infectious diseases contribute significantly to economic losses and days of disability in the United States.· In fact, Craig's actions contributed significantly to destabilising the situation.· But to sum up, he is beginning to feel that lawyers have contributed significantly to the disintegration of our country.· Nevertheless, such activities can contribute significantly to an organization's public image.· Recording errors contributed significantly to inaccuracy. 9.
· Zoos contribute substantially to the captive banks of many endangered species and those that are less rare.· However, visitors from outlying areas to attend football matches will contribute substantially to the local economy of the cities mentioned above.· In some areas it was acknowledged that these plots contributed substantially to the food supply.· In no country does equity finance contribute substantially.
· But then it is hard to see how that arrangement could be described as, or even contribute to, industrial democracy.· And developments which did not contribute to, nor necessarily seek that objective were for that reason defective.· Lifetime employment gives employees greater career stability, and tends to contribute to better industrial relations.· Repeated use is perceived as necessary in order to survive, yet at the same time it contributes to further decline.· We failed to lead the race for new products and we contributed to and suffered from heavy overcapacity.· Their attitude had certainly contributed to, not lessened, the family conflict.· They are willing to contribute to and collaborate with the youths, often spending long hours coaxing and prompting.· And it allows companies both to contribute to and benefit from election campaigns.
NOUN· Alicia Di Rado contributed to this article.· From 1872 onwards he contributed student articles to the Telegraphic Journal, which later became the Electrical Review.· Gladstone, over the years, contributed sixty-seven articles.· Goldman Sachs was second. --- Victoria M.. Zunitch contributed to this article.· Jon Nalick contributed to this article.· Mr Kidder contributed many articles on foreign affairs to the Boston Globe.
· In order that Compacts eventually do become self financing it is very likely that employers will be asked to contribute to central costs.· Economists call this the free-rider problem; people can receive benefits from a good without contributing to its costs.· He said the continuing difficulties had meant 1,100 jobs going last year, contributing to rationalisation costs of £6 million.· They heard Vice-Chancellor Colin Campbell thank the many graduates who have already contributed to the cost of the new Centre.· You will be asked to contribute to the cost whether your stay is temporary or permanent.· They also agreed to contribute £3,000 towards the costs of consultants appointed by Hambleton and North Yorkshire attending the inquiry.· I suspect that this withheld payment has been authorised, contributing to the increased cost.· We are all for safer streets if we do not have to contribute to the cost.
· It doesn't contribute to any debate.· This is far more intense a challenge than contributing to debates about strategy and design.· To contribute to this debate, Coopers & Lybrand formed a working party to survey and examine interim reporting.· Given the still exiguous literature of colour in art we can not expect to contribute to a running debate.· I understand that other hon. Members wish to contribute to the debate before it concludes.· We look forward to contributing to this debate.· We believe that social anthropologists can contribute more to the debates, in both empirical and theoretical terms.
· From the 1840s child and young adult mortality contributed most of the decline.· Television has contributed to the steady decline of solemnity in the courtroom.· Repeated use is perceived as necessary in order to survive, yet at the same time it contributes to further decline.· Glow-of-Television Connections Television often gets blamed for contributing to the decline of family life.· It has contributed to the decline in direct portfolio investment as opposed to indirect investment through tax exempt institutions.· The Salmon and Trout Association believe that the use of driftnets is contributing to the decline.· Institutionally cultivated individual career strategies for organizational dominance contribute to organizational decline.· Farm shops may also have contributed to this decline in the local store.
· Nor did his philosophy contribute significantly to the development of the scientific enterprise in succeeding generations.· In still another respect we hope to contribute to the development of a scientific theory of democracy.· Group profits slumped by 40 percent to £16.9 million last year, of which houses contributed three-quarters and development, a quarter.· We aim to ensure that managers will be more effective, achieve personal growth and contribute to corporate development.· Through this ratification process, practitioners contribute to the development of criteria by which their practice will be judged.· The way he did so was by contributing greatly to the development of the new Lotus.· Our early competitors, the Neanderthals, also appear to have contributed to the development of art and religion in human culture.
· All of these factors may theoretically contribute to diarrhoea.· Still another factor contributing to rapid dissemination was widespread travel and mobility.· Behind the bald figures on an invoice however, are other factors that contribute to the provision of value for money.· Another factor that can contribute to calcium oxalate stones is a low urinary level of citrate.· Over the course of this century various factors have contributed to the shift towards non-manual employment.· A combination of factors contributed to the defeat of former Democratic Rep.· The vulnerability factors are argued to contribute to low self-esteem, or, as protective factors, to high self-esteem.· After controlling for other factors that contribute to family wealth, the research found that small families had more consumer goods.
· These have all contributed to a growth in campaign spending.· But many critics claim the policy of a strong currency has decisively contributed to sluggish growth and record unemployment in both countries.· The final factor contributing to departmental growth was the most significant of all.· And some of these shifts are already contributing to growth.· The level of investment is not the only factor contributing to growth.· In such circumstances, market forces may actually come to reinforce this development and contribute to unbalanced regional growth.
· It is surely fitting that this should happen since nearly every member of the congregation contributed in some way to the result.· The members of the staff contribute too.· Probably, some band members will contribute more than others.· Another factor in the success of authorities is the ability of members to contribute to collective decision-making.· The three members contributed regular essays, or else original compositions, and criticized one another's work at group meetings.· In team nursing all members contribute to discussion and decision-making about care.
· But the state - indirectly - contributes over 50 percent of annual funds in the form of subscriptions paid for news services.· The sunglasses division contributes about 30 percent of Bausch&.· They contribute 14 percent of the greenhouse effect and are increasing at the rate of 6 percent a year.· My wife contributes 12 percent of her earnings to a SEP-IRA.· They consume 83 percent of the state's water but contribute only 3 percent to the state's economy.· The federal government contributes 62 percent of the cost and Texas provides 38 percent.· Transportation sources contributed only 31 percent of annual emissions in 1989 compared with 88 percent in 1978.· The utilities say they contribute only 6 percent of the air pollution and will contribute even less as plants are retired.
· It may also be noted that indistinct analysis of needs will contribute to problems associated with evaluation.· Mainstream society contributes to this problem as well.· Blaming the primary sufferer, other members of the family and all those who are considered to have contributed to the problem.· Both radioactive fission products and induced radioactivity in structural materials contribute to the problem of radioactive waste.· Animal fats and refined sugar contribute to a weight problem and can be a factor in heart and arterial disease.· Budget shortages, poor pay and poor equipment contribute to morale problems, he said.· What are the cultural or historical forces that contribute to these problems?· Demmons said disability leave was not the only factor contributing to the overtime problem.
· Times art critic Christopher Knight contributed to this report.· Examiner correspondent Sandra Ann Harris contributed to this report.· Chronicle wire services contributed to this report.
· Psychological comfort is inextricably related to physical comfort although some interactions are deliberately planned by staff to contribute to psychological comfort.· The members of the staff contribute too.· Post staff writer Saundra Torry contributed to this report.· Chronicle staff writer Stephen Schwartz contributed to this report.· Times staff writer Marcida Dodson contributed to this story.
· Each group will identify a task, an opportunity to contribute to the success of their department.· Just removing this one major source of friction and attacks on self-esteem may contribute to easier successes.· I would like to thank staff at all levels for their tremendous efforts which contributed to this success.· When not in the studio contributing to the success of others, he experimented with Classical music.· Even so, a spirit of close cooperation and bonhomie was generated, contributing much to the success of the Workshop.· Their position in the whole network of assets will need to be considered and how the total capacity contributes to strategic success.· Trainspotting's subtle incorporation of the past contributed to its success.· She thanked everyone who had contributed to the success of the day.
· The study provides data on the social cognition of parent-adolescent interaction and contributes to our understanding of the development of moral judgements.· Nevertheless, Bakker has contributed enormously to our understanding of dinosaur biology.· In all of these areas, there are concepts and insights from linguistics which can contribute to pedagogical understanding.· The research is designed to contribute to the understanding of problem drinking among teenagers.· The project aims to contribute to increasing understanding of industrial relations in the public sector.· The work will also contribute to a theoretical understanding of survival strategies and the dynamics of decision-making in conditions of forced migration.· The research will contribute towards our further understanding of the relationship between the media and the policy process.
VERB· In order that Compacts eventually do become self financing it is very likely that employers will be asked to contribute to central costs.· Current employees would be asked to contribute more toward retirement, starting in January 1999.· Langbaurgh and Stockton are both considering either scrapping free passes or asking pensioners to contribute towards them.· The more ideas the better, pupils and colleagues can be asked to contribute. 4.· You will be asked to contribute to the cost whether your stay is temporary or permanent.· None the less, they did so well that from then on Emma was asked to contribute on a regular basis.· To start the ball rolling, the government was asked to contribute £1 million.· They might be asked to contribute information to a careers programme, or technical expertise to a science lesson.
WORD FAMILYnouncontributioncontributoradjectivecontributoryverbcontribute
1[intransitive, transitive] to give money, help, ideas etc to something that a lot of other people are also involved incontribute to/towards City employees cannot contribute to political campaigns.contribute something to/towards something The volunteers contribute their own time to the project.2[intransitive] to help to make something happen: Stress is a contributing factor in many illnesses.contribute to Alcohol contributes to 100,000 deaths a year in the US.contribute substantially/significantly/greatly etc to something His work contributed substantially to our knowledge of the disease and how to treat it.3[intransitive, transitive] to write articles, stories, poems etc for a newspaper or magazinecontribute to one of several authors contributing to the bookGRAMMARSomeone or something contributes to something: · Will you contribute to his leaving gift?· Everyone contributed to the success of the project. ✗Don’t say: contribute for something