contribute

To be one of the things that help make something happen.

• Stress can contribute to illness.
• Bad weather contributed to the delays.
• Regular exercise contributes to better sleep.

How to use it: contribute to something (Heavy traffic contributed to the pollution.); contribute to doing something (These changes contribute to reducing waste.)

Similar words: help cause, lead to

Common phrases: contribute to something, contribute to success, contribute to growth

To give money, ideas, work, or other things to help a group or shared effort.

• Everyone contributed ten dollars.
• She contributes articles to a local magazine.
• Can you contribute some ideas to our discussion?

How to use it: contribute something to something (He contributed money to the charity.); contribute to something (Several neighbors contributed to the community fund.)

Similar words: give, donate, provide

Common phrases: contribute money, contribute to something, contribute ideas

To give money, ideas, or other things to help make something larger or complete.

• We all contributed money.
• She contributes articles to the school magazine.
• Can you contribute an idea for our project?

How to use it: contribute something to something (Each family contributed food to the celebration.); contribute to something (Everyone can contribute to the discussion.)

Similar words: give, donate, provide

Common phrases: contribute money, contribute to something, contribute an idea