What is contribution? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of contribution

contributionnoun

/ˌkɒntrɪˈbjuːʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of contribution

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "contribution" in English. It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown and some tips:

1. The Phonetic Spelling (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

  • /ˌkɒn.trɪˈbjuː.ʃən/

Let's break that down:

  • /ˌ/: This represents a secondary stress - meaning the first syllable is stronger.
  • kɒn: “Kon” – Like the "con" in "connect." The "o" is a short "o" sound, like in "hot."
  • trɪ: “Tri” – This is a quick diphtong: “try” but with a shorter, faster transition.
  • ˈbjuː: “Bye-oo” – This is the key part! The "y" makes a "you" sound. It’s crucial to get this right.
  • ʃən: “Shun” – Like the "shun" in "sun."

2. A More Descriptive Pronunciation (Word-by-Word):

  • Con – as in "connect"
  • tri – as in "try" (but quick!)
  • byoo – sounding like “bye you” (the “y” is important!)
  • shun – like “sun”

3. Putting it Together:

So, you essentially say: "Con-tree-byoo-shun." The "tri" is a very short, quick syllable.

4. Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Focus on the “y”: The “y” in “byoo” is the most common mistake. Practice saying "you" and then shortening it and making it quicker.
  • Don't over-emphasize the "t": The "t" in "tri" is very subtle. It’s a quick glide.
  • Stress the first syllable: The first syllable "con" should be the most emphasized.

5. Listen to Examples:

The absolute best way to learn is to hear it! Here are some resources:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some practice phrases using the word “contribution”?

Usage and examples with the word contribution in English

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

1. As a Noun (Most Common Usage)

  • General Meaning: A gift, donation, or something given to help. This is the most frequent usage.

    • "She made a significant contribution to the charity." (She donated money or time)
    • "The library relies on donations to make its contributions to the community." (The library’s work benefits the community)
    • "He made a valuable contribution to the project." (He helped with the project – this could be ideas, work, skills, etc.)
    • "The artist’s contribution to modern art is undeniable." (His art is important)

  • Specific Contexts:

    • Financial Contribution: “The team raised $1,000 for the local food bank through their fundraising contribution.”
    • Intellectual Contribution: “Her research paper made a major contribution to the field of psychology.”
    • Work Contribution: “Each member of the team made a contribution to the successful completion of the project.”
    • Social Contribution: “Volunteering at the animal shelter is a wonderful way to make a contribution to your community."

2. As a Verb (Less Common)

  • Meaning: To give something; to add to something.
    • "I want to contribute to the discussion." (I want to add my ideas)
    • "He contributed his expertise to the meeting." (He offered his knowledge)
    • "The company contributed to the local art program." (They gave money or resources)
    • “She will contribute a chapter to the book.” (She will write a section.)

3. Phrases Using "Contribution"

  • Make a Contribution: This is a very common and straightforward way to say you’ve given something (money, time, effort).
  • Financial Contribution: Specifically for money donated.
  • Intellectual Contribution: Regarding ideas and knowledge.
  • Social Contribution: About helping society.
  • Positive Contribution: Adding something good or helpful.
  • Negative Contribution: Adding something bad or harmful (less common, but possible).
  • Employee Contribution: What an employee brings to a company (skills, effort, ideas).

Tips for Using "Contribution" Correctly:

  • Specificity: Try to be specific about what the contribution is. Instead of just saying “He made a contribution,” say “He made a financial contribution” or “He made a contribution of ideas.”
  • Context is Key: The meaning of “contribution” depends heavily on the situation.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like ‘donation,’ ‘gift,’ ‘input,’ ‘assistance,’ ‘support,’ ‘effort,’ ‘work,’ or ‘contribution’ depending on the nuance you want to express.

Example Sentences Demonstrating Different Uses:

  • Noun (Financial): "The company’s generous contribution helped fund the new library."
  • Noun (Intellectual): "Her legal contribution to the case was crucial to our victory."
  • Verb: “We all need to contribute our best efforts to achieve our goals.”

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

  • What kind of writing are you doing? (e.g., a formal report, a casual email, a creative story?)
  • What is the context where you want to use the word "contribution"? (e.g., are you talking about money, ideas, work, or something else?)

Synonyms for the word contribution

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