Origin: Latin suffix -tion
Contribution has 6 different meanings across 1 category:
the effort contributed by a person in bringing about a result
"I am proud of my contribution in advancing the project"
"they all did their share of the work"
a voluntary gift (as of money or service or ideas) made to some worthwhile cause
"She donated her time as a volunteer tutor, and that personal contribution to the literacy program meant everything to the community."
act of giving in common with others for a common purpose especially to a charity
"Many neighbors pooled their money as a contribution to the local food bank after the storm hit."
an amount of money contributed
"he expected his contribution to be repaid with interest"
a writing for publication especially one of a collection of writings as an article or story
"Her latest contribution to the anthology is a haunting short story set in post-war Europe."
Something given or offered that adds to a larger whole.
"Her financial contribution helped raise enough money to renovate the community center."
In plain English: A contribution is something you give to help achieve a goal or support a group effort.
"Her contribution to the team project included writing all the code."
Usage: Use contribution to describe an action, effort, or gift that helps create or improve something bigger, such as money donated to charity or ideas shared in a meeting. Avoid using it as a verb; instead, use contribute when describing the act of giving or adding.
The word "contribution" comes from the Latin verb contribuere, which means to throw together or pool resources. It entered English through Old French and Middle English as a noun describing something that is given or shared by multiple parties.