contribute Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb bestow a quality on
    lend; add; bring; bestow; impart.
    • Her presence lends a certain cachet to the company
    • The music added a lot to the play
    • She brings a special atmosphere to our meetings
    • This adds a light note to the program
  2. verb contribute to some cause
    chip in; kick in; give.
    • I gave at the office
  3. verb be conducive to
    conduce; lead.
    • The use of computers in the classroom lead to better writing
  4. verb provide
    put up.
    • The city has to put up half the required amount

WordNet

Con*trib"ute transitive verb
Etymology
L. contributus, p.p. of contribuere to bring together, to add; con- + tribuere to grant, impart. See Tribute.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Contributed; present participle & verbal noun Contributing
Definitions
  1. To give or grant i common with others; to give to a common stock or for a common purpose; to furnish or suply in part; to give (money or other aid) for a specified object; as, to contribute food or fuel for the poor.
    England contributes much more than any other of the allies. Addison.
Con*trib"ute intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To give a part to a common stock; to lend assistance or aid, or give something, to a common purpose; to have a share in any act or effect.
    We are engaged in war; the secretary of state calls upon the colonies to contribute. Burke.
  2. To give or use one's power or influence for any object; to assist.
    These men also contributed to obstruct the progress of wisdom. Goldsmith.

Webster 1913