contribute
Definitions
To give money, help, or ideas toward a shared goal or fund
贡献，捐助（给共同目标或基金出钱、出力、出主意）
To be one of the causes of something; to help bring it about
促成，是……的一个原因；有助于
To write articles for a newspaper, magazine, or book
投稿，撰稿
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcon- (together) + tribuere (to give a share) = 'to give your share into a common pot.' The direction is the mirror image of distribute: distribute sends shares out, contribute brings each person's share in toward a shared result.
Root trib still carries 5 more wordsUsage Guide
contribute is almost always followed by 'to' (or 'toward'): contribute to a charity, contribute to the discussion. The weakened sense 'be a cause of' is very common — 'factors that contribute to climate change' — and does not imply a deliberate gift, just a partial cause.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Everyone in the office contributed twenty dollars toward the gift.
- 2.
Poor diet and lack of sleep both contribute to stress.
- 3.
She regularly contributes articles to a science magazine.