What does "contribution" mean?

1. (an item or idea given) something you provide, like an idea or a piece of writing, that adds to a larger project. 2. (money given) an amount of money you give to help pay for something or to help a charity. 3. (an achievement or help) the help or work you do that leads to a result or progress.

How do you use "contribution"?

Often used with the preposition 'to'.

contribution

US //ˌkɑntɹəbˈjuʃən// UK //kˌɒntɹɪbjˈuːʃən// con·tri·bu·tion

1 an item or idea given (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

something you provide, like an idea or a piece of writing, that adds to a larger project.

an individual component, such as an article, idea, or suggestion, provided to a larger work or project.

Example

The editor thanked her for her valuable contribution to the monthly magazine.

Example

Each researcher provided a unique contribution to the final report, ensuring that every aspect of the environmental impact was thoroughly addressed.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'to'.
2 money given (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

an amount of money you give to help pay for something or to help a charity.

a sum of money donated to a cause, fund, or organisation.

Example

The charity received a generous contribution from an anonymous donor.

Example

The government matched every private contribution to the disaster relief fund, effectively doubling the total amount raised within forty-eight hours.

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3 an achievement or help (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the help or work you do that leads to a result or progress.

the act of playing a part in a process that results in progress or success.

Example

His contribution to the team's victory was praised by the coach.

Example

The scientist was awarded a prestigious medal for her significant contribution to the field of cancer research over the last decade.

Origin

From Middle English contribucioun, contribucion, from Old French contribution, from Latin contribūtiōnem, contribūtiō, from Latin contribuēre. By surface analysis, contribute + -ion.