contribute
UK[kənˈtrɪbjuːt]US[kənˈtrɪbjuːt]
v
To give something, especially money or goods, to help achieve or provide something.
v
To help to cause or bring about a result.
v
To write articles, stories, or other material for a newspaper, magazine, or book.
Morpheme Breakdown
con
tribute
con
with
tribute
something paid or contributed
Etymology
The word 'contribute' originates from the Latin verb contribuere, which is a compound of con- (meaning 'together') and tribuere (meaning 'to assign, grant, or pay'). Tribuere itself is related to tribus (tribe), reflecting the ancient Roman practice where tribes paid a levy or tax to the state. The literal sense was 'to bring together, add to a common fund'. Over time, the meaning broadened from the specific context of financial payment to the more general act of giving or supplying something (like time, effort, or ideas) to a common purpose or pool, thereby helping to cause an outcome.
Analysis
Structure: con + tribute
- con: A Latin prefix meaning 'with', 'together', or 'thoroughly'. It functions as an intensifier and unifier in this word.
- tribute: From Latin tributum, meaning 'something paid or contributed'. It functions as the core root carrying the sense of giving or paying.
Examples
Many people contributed generously to the disaster relief fund.
Poor diet and lack of exercise contribute to many health problems.
She regularly contributes articles on environmental issues to a national magazine.