To contribute means to give something valuable to help achieve a shared goal or make something better. When you contribute to a class project, you might add your ideas, do research, or help build the final presentation. When someone contributes money to a charity, they're giving funds to support its mission.

The word suggests being part of something larger than yourself. A single musician contributes their instrument to create an orchestra's full sound. A scientist contributes her research findings to help solve a medical puzzle. Even small contributions matter: when everyone in your family contributes to cleaning the house, the chores get done faster.

You can contribute tangible things like money, time, or materials, but also intangible things like ideas, energy, or encouragement. A student who asks thoughtful questions contributes to class discussions. A teammate who stays positive when the score is tied contributes to team spirit.

The related word contribution is the thing you give or the act of giving it. Your contribution to the school food drive might be three cans of soup. But your contribution to your soccer team might be hard work, reliability, and a willingness to practice. When people work together and everyone contributes something, they can accomplish far more than any individual could alone.