contribuere

Contribuere is a Latin verb of the third conjugation meaning to bring together, to contribute, or to furnish. It can denote giving something to a person or fund, or more generally adding toward a common aim or outcome.

Etymology and form: The word is composed of the prefix con- “together” and the root tribuere “to allot, assign, grant.” The standard principal parts are contribuo, contribuere, contribui, contributum. It is classified as a third-conjugation verb; its present infinitive is contribuere and its participial forms include contributus (having been contributed) and contribens (contributing).

Usage and sense: In classical Latin, contribere is transitive and typically takes a direct object in the accusative (for example, pecuniam contribuere “to contribute money”). It may also express contribution toward a purpose or recipient, often with ad or toward the intended end (ad rem publicam contribuere, to contribute to the republic). The related noun contributum denotes a contribution or donation.

Related terms and cognates: The verb has direct descendants in the Romance languages, such as French contribuer, Italian contribuire, Spanish contribuir, and Portuguese contribuir, all preserving the sense of giving toward a shared aim. The Latin noun contributio and the adjective contributorius appear in related formations, and the participles include contribuens (contributing) and contributus (having been contributed).

In reference works, contribere is cited as a standard example of a verb used for giving, funding, or supplying goods or effort to a cause, project, or community.