Contributing: meaning, definitions and examples

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contributing

[kənˈtrɪbjʊtɪŋ ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

to society

To give (money, time, knowledge, assistance, etc.) to a common purpose. The act of contributing can help improve the lives of others and make a positive impact on society. It is often done voluntarily and out of a sense of goodwill.

Synonyms

contribute, donate, give, provide.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
contributing	Used when talking about taking part in a group effort or project. She is actively contributing to the team’s success Everyone was contributing to the community garden project
donate	Typically used when giving something, usually money or goods, to a charity or cause. She decided to donate her old clothes to the shelter They donate a part of their earnings to humanitarian causes
give	Used very generally to indicate the act of offering something to someone else. It can be used in a wide range of situations. Please give this letter to John She likes to give gifts to her friends
contribute	Often used to indicate a single act of giving something to a cause, group, or effort. He plans to contribute to the charity this year Each member is expected to contribute to the discussion
provide	Often used when supplying something that is needed or wanted, particularly in professional or service contexts. The company will provide training for new employees Parents provide support and guidance to their children

Examples of usage

He has been contributing generously to the local food bank for years.
She enjoys contributing her expertise to various charitable organizations.
Many people find fulfillment in contributing to meaningful causes.
Contributing to the community can create a sense of belonging and connection.
The company encourages employees to contribute to their community through volunteering projects.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'contribuere', meaning 'to bring together', which reflects the idea of combining efforts.
It gained popularity in English during the 15th century, originally referring to joining forces to support a cause.
Over time, its use expanded to include contributions in various fields like arts, academics, and community service.

Psychology

Research shows that contributing to a group improves personal well-being, as people often feel more connected and valued.
Acts of contributing can trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and trust.
Studies suggest that individuals who regularly contribute to their communities report higher levels of happiness and satisfaction.

Education

In classrooms, students contribute through group projects, fostering teamwork and collaborative learning.
Teachers encourage contributions during discussions to enhance critical thinking and inclusivity.
Contributing to peer reviews helps students learn from each other and improve their work.

Pop Culture

Crowdfunding platforms have revolutionized the concept, allowing everyday people to contribute financially to creative projects and startups.
In social media, users often contribute content in the form of posts, videos, and memes, shaping online culture.
The term 'citizen science' emphasizes ordinary people's contributions to scientific research, showing how collective input can advance knowledge.

Philosophy

The ethics of contributing often involve discussions about responsibility towards society and the impact of individual actions.
Philosophers argue that a key part of a fulfilling life is the ability to contribute positively to the community.
Various philosophical traditions, like utilitarianism, assess contributions based on the overall benefit to society.

Translations

Translations of the word "contributing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 contribuindo

🇮🇳 योगदान

🇩🇪 beitragend

🇮🇩 berkontribusi

🇺🇦 сприяння

внесок
участь

🇵🇱 przyczyniający się

🇯🇵 貢献する

🇫🇷 contribuant

🇪🇸 contribuyendo

🇹🇷 katkıda bulunma

🇰🇷 기여

🇸🇦 مساهمة

🇨🇿 přispívající

🇸🇰 prispievajúci

🇨🇳 贡献

🇸🇮 prispevek

🇮🇸 framlag

🇰🇿 үлес қосу

🇬🇪 წვლილი

🇦🇿 töhfə

🇲🇽 contribuyendo

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,226 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5223 kidney
5224 barrel
5225 stamp
5226 contributing
5227 exclaimed
5228 economical
5229 threatening
...