Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Contribute \Con*trib"ute\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Contributed}; p.
   pr. & vb. n. {Contributing}.] [L. contributus, p. p. of
   contribuere to bring together, to add; con- + tribuere to
   grant, impart. See {Tribute}.]
   To give or grant i common with others; to give to a common
   stock or for a common purpose; to furnish or suply in part;
   to give (money or other aid) for a specified object; as, to
   contribute food or fuel for the poor.

         England contributes much more than any other of the
         allies.                                  --Addison.

Contribute \Con*trib"ute\, v. i.
   1. To give a part to a common stock; to lend assistance or
      aid, or give something, to a common purpose; to have a
      share in any act or effect.

            We are engaged in war; the secretary of state calls
            upon the colonies to contribute.      --Burke.

   2. To give or use one's power or influence for any object; to
      assist.

            These men also contributed to obstruct the progress
            of wisdom.                            --Goldsmith.

Source : WordNet®

contribute
     v 1: bestow a quality on; "Her presence lends a certain cachet to
          the company"; "The music added a lot to the play"; "She
          brings a special atmosphere to our meetings"; "This adds
          a light note to the program" [syn: {lend}, {impart}, {bestow},
           {add}, {bring}]
     2: contribute to some cause; "I gave at the office" [syn: {give},
         {chip in}, {kick in}]
     3: be conducive to; "The use of computers in the classroom lead
        to better writing" [syn: {lead}, {conduce}]
     4: provide; "The city has to put up half the required amount"
        [syn: {put up}]