Contribution — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌkän-trə-ˈbyü-shən/ con·tri·bu·tion

Meaning & Definition of Contribution

Contribution (noun)

  1. the act of contributing
  2. the giving or supplying of something (such as money or time) as a part or share
  3. the giving or supplying of something that plays a significant part in making something happen

Contribution (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a gift of money or its equivalent to a charity, humanitarian cause, or public institution

    "contributions for the victims of the earthquake began pouring in"

    similar: alms, benefaction, beneficence, charity, donation, philanthropy
    related: offering, tithe, bequest, endowment, legacy, aid, assistance, dole, handout, relief, welfare, grant, subsidy, benevolence, bestowal, largesse, present, presentation

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Contribution

The most common words with a similar meaning to Contribution:

alms, benefaction, beneficence, charity, donation, philanthropy

Related Words for Contribution

offering, tithe, bequest, endowment, legacy, aid, assistance, dole, handout, relief, welfare, grant, subsidy, benevolence, bestowal, largesse, present, presentation

Word Forms of Contribution

Inflections: contributions

Derived words: contributive (adjective), contributively (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Contribution

Middle English contribucioun "levy, impost, payment," borrowed from Anglo-French contribucion "payment," borrowed from Latin contribūtiōn-, contribūtiō "something given as a portion or share, payment," from contribū-, variant stem of contribuere "to join into one unit, attach (to a polity or ruler), give as a portion or share" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action contribute

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Contribution

Frequently Asked Questions about Contribution

What does "Contribution" mean?

"Contribution" means the act of contributing. As a noun, it is defined as: the act of contributing.

What is another word for "Contribution"?

Other words for "Contribution" include alms, benefaction, beneficence, charity, donation and philanthropy. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Contribution" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Contribution"?

There are 24 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Contribution". Common alternatives include alms, benefaction, beneficence, charity, donation and philanthropy.

How do you use "Contribution" in a sentence?

Examples of "Contribution" in a sentence: "contributions for the victims of the earthquake began pouring in".

Is "Contribution" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Contribution" is a noun.

Is "Contribution" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Contribution" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Contribution"?

"Contribution" is pronounced /ˌkän-trə-ˈbyü-shən/ and divided into syllables as con·tri·bu·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Contribution"?

"Contribution" comes from Middle English contribucioun "levy, impost, payment," borrowed from Anglo-French contribucion "payment," borrowed from Latin contribūtiōn-, contribūtiō "something given as a portion or share, payment," from contribū-, variant stem of contribuere "to join into one unit, attach (to a polity or ruler), give as a portion or share" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action contribute. First known use: 14th century.