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Definition contribute in British English

contribute verb

verb
/kənˈtrɪbjuːt/

Don’t use a verb in the infinitive after contribute. Use the pattern contribute to doing something:

✗ Technology has contributed to improve our lives.

✓ Technology has contributed to improving our lives.

✗ A positive aspect of education is that it contributes to confirm one’s identity.

✓ A positive aspect of education is that it contributes to confirming one’s identity.

You can also use the pattern contribute to something:

Technology has contributed to improvements in our lives.

1

to give money, goods, or your time and effort in order to achieve something, especially when other people are also helping

Example

Many local businesses offered to contribute to the school rebuilding fund.

Example

He promised to contribute £5,000 towards the cost of the lawsuit.

Example

The UK will contribute 8,000 troops to the NATO operation.

Synonyms and related words
2

to be a part of a group or an activity and help it to be successful

Example

Davis didn't really contribute much to the game in the second half.

Example

He felt he had nothing to contribute to the discussion.

Synonyms and related words
3

to be one of the things that help to make something happen

Example

The scandal certainly contributed to their defeat at the last election.

Example

Speed is a contributing factor in many road accidents.

Synonyms and related words
Definition contribute in British English