Contributory — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /kən-ˈtri-byə-ˌtȯr-ē/ con·trib·u·to·ry

Meaning & Definition of Contributory

Contributory (adjective)

  1. of, relating to, or forming a contribution, playing a part in bringing about an end or result
  2. relating to or being an employee benefit (such as a retirement account) that is funded at least in part by employee contributions
  3. subject to or contributing to a common fund or enterprise, subject to levy or furnishing a share or contingent

Contributory (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in complementary

    similar: complementary, added, additional, another, further, adjuvant, assistant, assisting, helping, supportive, tributary, backup, makeshift, substitute, secondary, subordinate, subservient, subsidiary, accessorial, accessory, appurtenant, auxiliary, peripheral, supplemental, supplementary, dispensable, excess, nonessential, superfluous, surplus, unessential
    opposite: chief, main, principal, basic, fundamental, primary, prime, all-important, essential, imperative, indispensable, integral, necessary, needed, needful, required, requisite, vital

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Contributory

The most common words with a similar meaning to Contributory:

complementary, added, additional, another, further, adjuvant, assistant, assisting, helping, supportive, tributary, backup, makeshift, substitute, secondary, subordinate, subservient, subsidiary, accessorial, accessory, appurtenant, auxiliary, peripheral, supplemental, supplementary, dispensable, excess, nonessential, superfluous, surplus, unessential

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Contributory

Words with the opposite meaning of Contributory:

chief, main, principal, basic, fundamental, primary, prime, all-important, essential, imperative, indispensable, integral, necessary, needed, needful, required, requisite, vital

Word Forms of Contributory

Derived words: contributorily (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Contributory

Middle English contributorie, contributarie "liable for payment of a levy or assessment, making contribution to a cause," borrowed from Anglo-French contributoire, contributorie, borrowed from Medieval Latin contribūtōrius, from Latin contribū-, variant stem of contribuere "to join into one unit, attach (to a polity or ruler), give as a portion or share" + -tōrius, deverbal adjective suffix originally forming derivatives from agent nouns ending in -tōr-, -tor contribute

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Contributory

What does "Contributory" mean?

"Contributory" means of, relating to, or forming a contribution, playing a part in bringing about an end or result. As an adjective, it is defined as: of, relating to, or forming a contribution, playing a part in bringing about an end or result.

What is another word for "Contributory"?

Other words for "Contributory" include complementary, added, additional, another, further, adjuvant, assistant and assisting. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Contributory" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Contributory"?

There are 31 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Contributory". Common alternatives include complementary, added, additional, another, further, adjuvant, assistant, assisting, helping and supportive.

What is the opposite of "Contributory"?

Antonyms of "Contributory" include chief, main, principal, basic, fundamental, primary, prime and all-important.

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

"Contributory" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Contributory"?

"Contributory" is pronounced /kən-ˈtri-byə-ˌtȯr-ē/ and divided into syllables as con·trib·u·to·ry.

What is the origin of the word "Contributory"?

"Contributory" comes from Middle English contributorie, contributarie "liable for payment of a levy or assessment, making contribution to a cause," borrowed from Anglo-French contributoire, contributorie, borrowed from Medieval Latin contribūtōrius, from Latin contribū-, variant stem of contribuere "to join into one unit, attach (to a polity or ruler), give as a portion or share" + -tōrius, deverbal adjective suffix originally forming derivatives from agent nouns ending in -tōr-, -tor contribute. First known use: 15th century.

What is another word for "Contributory" meaning "as in complementary"?

When "Contributory" (adjective) means as in complementary, synonyms include complementary, added, additional, another, further and adjuvant. Opposites in this sense include chief, main, principal and basic.