contribution - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
contribution Word Meanings
- something given to help achieve something
- an act of giving or donating
- a part played in bringing about a result
contribution Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
contribution Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˌkɒntrɪˈbjuːʃən/
US
/ˌkɑntrɪˈbjuʃən/
contribution Word Etymology
con- (together) + tribuere (to give) → Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a group of people together at a table, pooling their resources to build a community. It emphasizes the act of gathering efforts to support a common goal.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I set a small note on the meeting board and push it toward the middle. The note nudges other ideas, and the room's pace shifts a bit. I breathe in, adjust my grip, and keep my part steady as we talk. By the end, my contribution shows up as a small piece that helps us reach the goal.
Real Context
A contribution is something someone gives to help achieve a shared goal, such as money, time, ideas, or effort. It can be a donation to a charity, a portion of labor on a project, or information that helps move a discussion forward. The word emphasizes the cooperative nature of success, since many individual contributions together create a larger outcome. In business, academia, or community life, a contribution often refers to a specific input that adds value or advances a plan. Learners should notice that contributions can be monetary or non-monetary, and that we speak of a contribution to a cause or project.
Usage Reminders
- • Don t confuse contribution with donation or contributor.
- • A contribution can be money, time, ideas, or effort.
- • Use contribution to describe input to a project, not ownership.
- • Say a contribution to/ toward a goal, or to a cause.
- • Contribute is the verb; contribution is the noun (plural contributions).
- • In formal writing, specify the kind of contribution when possible.
Common Misconceptions
- Contribution is only about giving money.
- It always refers to a formal donation rather than input.
- Contributing and contribution always describe a person, not an action.
- Contribution is the same as donation in all contexts.
- Contributing to a project automatically means ownership.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Learn the main senses: monetary vs non monetary contributions
- Note common collocations: make a contribution to; contribute to; contribution toward
- Distinguish contributor (person) vs contribution (input)
- Use 'contribution to' when the input helps a goal; 'contribution toward' when it's partial
- Plural form: 'contributions'
- Use in formal writing: specify the kind of contribution when possible
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'contribution' mean?
A.Multiplication
B.Subtraction
C.Donation
D.Division
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'contribution' correctly?
A.He made a big contribution to the mess.
B.She used her contribution to clean up the room.
C.The cat made a contribution to the dog.
D.I contribution love to my family.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'contribution'?
A.Support
B.Opposition
C.Deduction
D.Increase
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'contribution'?
A.Withdrawal
B.Assistance
C.Contribution
D.Growth
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario of 'contribution'?
A.The company reported a profit.
B.He was generous with his time and resources.
C.She helped her community by making a big impact.
D.The students enjoyed their summer break.
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