Contributor

/kənˈtrɪbjətər/

nounIntermediate📊CommonPerson
1 meaning2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

1

A person or thing that helps to bring about or achieve something.

/kənˈtrɪbjətər/

nounneutralIntermediate
Person

A person or thing that gives or provides something, especially money, information, or effort.

The article was written by a guest contributor.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're helping bake a cake. A contributor is someone who brings an ingredient, like flour or sugar, to make the cake better! They are bringing something to the table.

👶 For kids: Someone who helps! Like if you bring a toy to share with your friends, you are a contributor.

More Examples

2

We need more contributors to the fundraising campaign.

3

He was recognized as a major contributor to the company's success.

How It's Used

Journalism

"She is a regular contributor to the newspaper."

Finance

"The company's pension plan requires employee contributors."

Open Source Software

"He is a valued contributor to the open-source project."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Idioms & expressions

contributor copy

A piece of writing, article, or other content provided by a contributor, often for publication.

"Please submit your contributor copy by the end of the week."

key contributor

A person or thing that is very important in helping something to happen or succeed.

"The CEO was a key contributor to the company's growth."

From Latin *contribuere* ('to bring together, contribute'), from *con-* ('together') + *tribuere* ('to assign, allot'). The word evolved to refer to someone who gives or provides something, especially money, information, or effort.

The word 'contributor' has been used since the 17th century, initially referring to those who provided funds or resources. Its meaning expanded to include any form of giving or support over time.

Memory tip

Think of the word 'tribute'. A contributor gives their 'tribute' (effort, money, information) to a cause.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to bring together, contribute"

key contributorregular contributormajor contributorfinancial contributorcontributor to

Common misspellings

contributercontributtor

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written