Contributions: meaning, definitions and examples

Used mainly when referring to the act of giving something, such as money or time, to a cause or organization.

• His contributions to the charity were greatly appreciated
• Employees are encouraged to make contributions to the community project

Refers specifically to the act of giving money, goods, or services to a person or organization in need.

• They were grateful for the generous donations after the fire
• The food bank relies on donations from the community

Used in a broader sense to mean help or encouragement provided to someone, or backing a cause or idea.

• He has the emotional support of his family
• The candidate received a lot of support from the voters

Typically refers to help given in the form of food, money, or other necessities, often in a crisis or for relief purposes.

• The international community sent aid to the earthquake victims
• Medical aid was provided to the injured soldiers

Generally used to mean helping someone do a job or task, or providing service to someone in need.

• She needed assistance with her homework
• They received financial assistance to start their business

Use this word when talking about activities or items provided by someone as a part of a group effort or communal activity, in both formal and informal settings.

• Her contributions to the project were invaluable
• The fundraising event was successful due to everyone's contributions

This word is suitable when referring to pieces of writing that appear in newspapers, magazines, journals, or online platforms. Articles are usually informative or analytical.

• I read an interesting article about climate change in the newspaper
• She writes articles for a popular tech blog

Essays are typically formal, structured pieces of writing that discuss a particular subject in a detailed and methodical way. They are commonly used in academic settings.

• He wrote an essay on the impact of social media on teenagers
• Students must submit their essays by the end of the semester

Writings is a broad term used to refer to any pieces of written work, regardless of formality, purpose, or style. It could include essays, stories, articles, and more.

• Jane's writings have been published in various magazines
• His writings include poetry, essays, and short stories

Submissions are items or pieces of work presented for consideration, often in the context of contests, applications, or formal reviews.

• The competition received over 500 submissions from talented artists
• All journal submissions should be reviewed by March

Use in situations where people give something, such as time, effort, or money, to a common cause or project.

• Her contributions to the charity helped many children
• The team's contributions were essential to the project's success

Appropriate when referring to giving money to settle a debt, obligation, or purchase.

• The monthly payments for the car are quite high
• He made a payment to clear his credit card debt

Commonly used when referring to putting money into a bank account or giving a sum as a security or part payment.

• He made a deposit to his savings account
• The landlord requires a security deposit before moving in

Best used when referring to putting money into something (such as stocks, properties, or businesses) with the expectation of financial returns.

• She made several smart investments in tech companies
• Real estate investments can be very profitable