ENGLISH
REFERENCE

contribution

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˌkɑntɹəbˈjuʃən// UK //kˌɒntɹɪbjˈuːʃən// con·tri·bu·tion General-service

n. something you give or do to help make a project or a group successful. It can be money, an idea, or your time.

n. a gift or payment to a common fund or collection; the part played by a person or thing in bringing about a result or helping something to advance.


SIMPLE

Your contribution to the team project was very helpful.

CONTEXTUAL

The charity relies on the monthly contribution of local businesses to keep the community center open.

COMPLEX

The scientist was honored for her significant contribution to cancer research, which fundamentally changed how doctors approach early-stage treatment.

Synonyms
Origin

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

Usage

Countable when referring to specific items or actions; uncountable when referring to the abstract act of giving or helping.

Pitfall

make a contribution for the projectmake a contribution to the projectThe noun typically takes the preposition 'to' when indicating the recipient or goal of the help.

© 2026 English Reference