What is contribute? Pronunciation and usage in English

contribute means . Learn how to pronounce and use contribute through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of contribute

contributeverb

/kənˈtrɪbjuːt//ˈkɒntrɪbjuːt/
Definition & pronunciation of contribute

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "contribute" in English. It can be a tricky one! Here's a breakdown of the sounds and a few ways to say it:

1. Phonetic Transcription (Most Accurate):

  • kən.ˈtrɪb.jut

Let's break that down further:

  • kən: Sounds like "con" as in "cone," but shorter.
  • ˈtrɪb: This is the stressed syllable. "tr" sounds like "try" (as in "try hard"). "ib" sounds like "ih" (as in "kite").
  • jut: Sounds like "yoot" as in "youth."

2. Syllable Breakdown & Sounds (Easier to Understand):

  • con - tribute
  • con: As in “cone” - a short, sharp “con” sound.
  • tribute: “try” (as in “try”) - followed by “buh” (like the beginning of “bulb”) - then “teet” (as in “beet”).

3. Common Mispronunciations & How to Avoid Them:

  • Don’t say “con-tri-but.” This is a very common mistake. The first syllable “con” is short and separate.
  • Don’t overemphasize the “tribute” part. Focus on the “con” and “try” sounds.

4. Listen Examples:

  • Google it: The best way to learn is to hear it! Search for "how to pronounce contribute" on Google or YouTube. You’ll find many audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/contribute/ - This website has pronunciations from native speakers.

Tips for Practicing:

  • Slow Down: Start by saying the word slowly and deliberately, focusing on each syllable.
  • Record Yourself: Record yourself saying it and compare it to audio examples.
  • Repeat: Keep practicing until it feels natural!

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the word for you?
  • Give you more example sentences using "contribute"?

Usage and examples with the word contribute in English

Let's break down how to use the word "contribute" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a range of meanings, so understanding the context is key.

1. Core Meaning: To Give or Supply

At its simplest, "contribute" means to give something – it can be physical, financial, or intellectual.

  • Example (Money): "She contributed $100 to the charity." (She gave $100.)
  • Example (Food): "The guests contributed dishes to the potluck." (They provided dishes.)
  • Example (Time): “He contributed his time to volunteer at the local soup kitchen.” (He gave his time.)

2. Contributing to a Group Effort:

This is a very common usage. It means to play a part in a shared activity or project.

  • Example: “Everyone contributed to the success of the fundraiser.” (Everyone played a role.)
  • Example: “The team contributed valuable ideas to the brainstorming session.” (The team gave useful suggestions.)
  • Example: "Your feedback contributes to improving our product." (Your feedback helps us make it better.)

3. Contributing to Something Larger (Ideas, Progress, etc.)

“Contribute” can also imply a more significant impact. It’s about making a difference.

  • Example: "His research contributes to a better understanding of climate change." (His research helps us learn more.)
  • Example: "She contributes significantly to the company's innovation." (She makes a large impact on new ideas.)
  • Example: “Art contributes to our cultural landscape.” (Art plays an important role in society.)

4. Expressing a Quality or Feeling

Less common, but still valid: "contribute" can describe a quality you possess.

  • Example: "Justin is a quiet person who contributes thoughtful observations in meetings." (He offers good insights, even though he's quiet.)

Key Phrases & Variations

  • Contribute to: This is the most common construction. (e.g., "He contributed to the project.")
  • Contribute something: (e.g., "She contributed something valuable.")
  • Make a contribution: (More emphatic - emphasizes the overall impact.) "She made a significant contribution to the field."
  • Contribute one's skills/talents: (e.g., "He contributed his programming skills to the team.")

Tips for Using "Contribute" Correctly

  • Consider the context: As mentioned, the meaning of “contribute” can shift slightly based on the situation.
  • Don't overuse it: While it's a useful word, it can sound repetitive if you use it constantly. Consider synonyms like “help,” “assist,” “provide,” or “offer.”
  • Focus on the impact: When using "contribute," it’s often helpful to briefly explain how the contribution is beneficial.

Resources for More Examples:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you doing? (e.g., a formal essay, a casual email, a creative story?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you want to use "contribute"?

Synonyms for the word contribute

Practice with vocabulary contribute

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Her extensive experience will undoubtedly ________ to the success of this complex project.
  2. Many factors, including environmental degradation, ________ to climate change.
  3. The local farmers' market strives to ________ fresh produce to the community.
  4. To ________ customer satisfaction, the company implemented a new feedback system.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Her extensive knowledge will ________ significantly to the overall success of the project. a) diminish b) detract c) contribute d) impede

  2. We urge all citizens to ________ actively to community development programs. a) participate b) hinder c) contribute d) engage e) abstain

  3. Each member's unique skills ________ the team's ability to innovate. a) obstruct b) undermine c) contribute to d) detract from

  4. The training program is designed to ________ employees with the necessary skills for new challenges. a) equip b) provide c) delegate d) assign

  5. The recent economic downturn could ________ a significant decrease in consumer spending. a) stem from b) lead to c) prevent d) originate from

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The success of the project depended heavily on everyone's active participation. Rewrite using "contribute" or a related word form: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Her extensive experience will undoubtedly contribute to the success of this complex project.
  2. Many factors, including environmental degradation, contribute to climate change.
  3. The local farmers' market strives to provide fresh produce to the community.
  4. To enhance customer satisfaction, the company implemented a new feedback system.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) contribute
  2. a) participate, c) contribute, d) engage
  3. c) contribute to
  4. a) equip, b) provide
  5. b) lead to

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The success of the project depended heavily on everyone's active participation. Rewrite using "contribute" or a related word form: Everyone's active participation significantly contributed to the project's success.
  2. Original: Providing innovative ideas is essential for progress in our team. Rewrite using "contribute" or a related word form: The contribution of innovative ideas is essential for progress in our team.
  3. Original: The company will provide all employees with a new laptop. Rewrite (do not use "contribute"): The company will furnish all employees with a new laptop.

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