English Reference
noun

contribution

n.
US /ˌkɑntɹəbˈjuʃən/ UK /kˌɒntɹɪbjˈuːʃən/ con·tri·bu·tion UK spelling contributions

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    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. 02 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.

    Simple

    The charity received a generous contribution from an anonymous donor.

    In context

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

  3. 03 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

Usage contribution depend · evaluate contribution · examine contribution

Put on some pants!’” That essay inspired him to write and direct How Do You Remember Me?, his half-hour contribution to the Amazon series Modern Love .

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026

So, if you choose the minimum contribution base, you will receive a total of €1,029.41 per month, while if you choose the maximum base, you will receive €2,030 per month.

The Local· 14 Aug 2026

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

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin contribuēre
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated