Word
contribute
Phoneticscon·trib·ute, stress on the second syllable
US/kənˈtɹɪbjut/
UK/kˈɒntɹɪbjˌuːt/
Definition
v. to give something, like money, time, or ideas, to help a group or a project succeed. You use this when you play a part in making something happen.
v. to give or supply something in common with others; to play a significant role in bringing about a specific result. Transitive when providing a specific resource, but often used intransitively with the preposition 'to'.
Examples
“Many people contribute money to the local charity.”
“The lead researcher asked every team member to contribute their findings to the final report by Friday.”
“While individual lifestyle changes are helpful, systemic policy shifts contribute far more significantly to the long-term reduction of carbon emissions across the industrial sector.”
Examples
simple
“Many people contribute money to the local charity.”
contextual
“The lead researcher asked every team member to contribute their findings to the final report by Friday.”
complex
“While individual lifestyle changes are helpful, systemic policy shifts contribute far more significantly to the long-term reduction of carbon emissions across the industrial sector.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “contribute” in context.
Verb
01. contribute to
“Many different factors contribute to the high cost of living in the city.”
verb + prep
Adverb
02. actively contribute
“Students are encouraged to actively contribute to class discussions every day.”
adv + verb
03. directly contribute
“Regular exercise will directly contribute to your overall health and well-being.”
adv + verb
04. equally contribute
“Both team members equally contribute to the success of the final project.”
adv + verb
05. greatly contribute
“Your generous donation will greatly contribute to the construction of the new library.”
adv + verb
06. probably contribute
“The new government policy will probably contribute to economic growth next year.”
adv + verb
07. significantly contribute
“Reducing plastic waste can significantly contribute to protecting the environment.”
adv + verb
08. substantially contribute
“The new evidence will substantially contribute to our understanding of the case.”
adv + verb
Usage
The verb is often followed by the preposition 'to' when indicating the recipient or the final result.
Pitfall
He contributed for the project
He contributed to the project
Contribute takes the preposition 'to' when describing the goal or project being helped.
Real-World Examples
“The Almaraz plant, which contributes around seven percent of Spain's electricity production, is a key source of industry and employment in mostly rural, depopulated Extremadura.” “Incheon’s international passenger traffic was up 6.3% year on year overall, with rising numbers of foreign visitors also contributing to the increase.” “The UN continues to contribute to AI regulation efforts, including through the Global Dialogue and the Independent International Scientific Panel on AI – a scientific body to assess the opportunities and risks of AI.” “Moreover, he adds, passengers often contribute to the problem by using unsuitable cables and not caring for devices.” Etymology
PIE word *tréyes From Latin contribūtus, perfect passive participle of contribuō (“to bring together; to unite”), from con- (“together”) + tribuō (“to bestow”), from tribus (“tribe”), derived from trēs (“three”), from Proto-Italic trēs, from Proto-Indo-European tréyes.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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