Contribute Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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contribute

[kษ™nหˆtrษชbjut ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to society

To give something, especially money, in order to provide or achieve something together with other people.

Synonyms

contribute to, donate, give, help, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
contribute

This is used when someone is adding to a larger effort, project, or cause. It can refer to both material and non-material support such as ideas or effort.

  • She contributed several hours of her time to the community project.
  • Everyone was encouraged to contribute their ideas during the meeting.
donate

This term is used when someone gives money, goods, or time as a gift, often to a charity or non-profit organization. It implies no expectation of return.

  • She donates clothes to the local shelter every winter.
  • They donated a significant amount of money to the hospital.
give

A general term that refers to transferring something to someone else, which can include gifts, help, or support. It is less formal and can apply to a wide range of situations.

  • He gave her a book as a birthday present.
  • Can you give me a hand with this?
support

This term refers to providing assistance, encouragement, or endorsement. It can be both emotional or financial and often implies a sustained effort.

  • Her family supported her during her difficult times.
  • The company supports several local charities.
help

This is used when someone is providing assistance or making it easier for someone else to do something. It emphasizes the action of aiding.

  • She helped him with his homework.
  • Can you help me carry these boxes?
contribute to

This phrase is often used to specify what exactly someone is adding to or helping with. It emphasizes the target of the contribution.

  • His research contributed to the development of the new vaccine.
  • Many people contributed to the success of the event.

Examples of usage

  • She contributes regularly to several charities.
  • We all need to contribute to the success of the project.
Context #2 | Verb

to discussion

To write articles, give opinions, and take part in discussions on the internet, especially on social media.

Synonyms

contribute to, engage, join in, participate, share.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
contribute

This word is often used when talking about giving something such as time, effort, or money to help achieve a goal or complete a project.

  • She decided to contribute her time to the community center.
  • Everyone needs to contribute to the discussion.
participate

Use this word in more formal settings or contexts where someone is taking part in an organized event or activity.

  • Employees are encouraged to participate in the training program.
  • Many students participated in the science fair.
engage

This word is suitable for situations where someone is actively involved or interested in an activity or discussion.

  • The teacher tried to engage the students in the lesson.
  • They engage in various volunteer activities.
share

This word is about giving others access to your resources, experiences, or feelings. It often involves distributing something among a group.

  • She loves to share her ideas during meetings.
  • Can you share your notes with me?
contribute to

Use this phrase to specify what exactly you are contributing towards; it is often followed by a noun indicating the goal or project.

  • He wants to contribute to the environment by recycling.
  • Your donation will contribute to the building of a new library.
join in

This phrase is casual and often used when asking someone to become part of an ongoing activity or group effort. It is more informal than 'participate.'

  • We were playing a game, and he decided to join in.
  • She always joins in on the office chats.

Examples of usage

  • She contributes to various online forums.
  • He contributes to the blog with insightful posts.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Social Responsibility

  • Many charities rely on individuals to contribute money, time, or goods for community support.
  • Volunteering is a practical way to contribute, with countless people working together to address social issues.
  • Environmental groups encourage people to contribute by recycling, promoting a healthier planet.

Psychology

  • Research shows that contributing to others can boost happiness and improve mental health.
  • Acts of giving stimulate the brainโ€™s reward system, providing feelings of satisfaction.
  • Feeling connected often encourages individuals to contribute even more, creating positive feedback loops in communities.

Technology

  • Open-source software development thrives on the idea of contribution, where coders worldwide add to projects.
  • Crowdsourcing relies on large numbers of people contributing ideas or skills for innovation.
  • In digital spaces, user-generated content allows individuals to contribute their unique voice and perspectives online.

Education

  • Group projects in school encourage students to contribute their talents to achieve a common goal.
  • Class discussions often thrive on each student contributing their thoughts and ideas.
  • Peer tutoring is a powerful method where students contribute by helping each other learn.

Origin of 'contribute'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'contribuere', meaning 'to bring together'.
  • It was first used in English in the 15th century, showing a historical emphasis on collective efforts.
  • The prefix 'con-' means 'with', while 'tribut' relates to giving, emphasizing shared contributions.

The word 'contribute' originated from the Latin word 'contribuere', which means 'to bring together'. The concept of contributing has been an integral part of human societies since ancient times, where individuals would contribute resources for the common good. Over the years, the meaning of 'contribute' has evolved to encompass not just financial donations, but also intellectual contributions in various fields.


See also: contributing, contribution, contributions, contributor, contributors.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,475, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.