contributing
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Playing a part in bringing about a result; partly responsible: "contributing" describes something that helps cause or influence an outcome, though it may not be the sole cause.
- Giving or adding to a common fund or effort: It can also describe the act of providing something, such as money, time, or effort, to a collective cause or project.
Usage
- The word "contributing" is used to describe a factor, element, or action that is one of several causes or influences leading to a particular result.
- It often appears before nouns like "factor," "cause," "element," or "member."
- It can also be used to describe a person who gives something, as in a "contributing writer" or "contributing editor."
Examples
- Adjective:
- Poor diet was a contributing factor to his health problems.
- She is a contributing author to the scientific journal.
- A lack of sleep is often a contributing element in workplace accidents.
Advanced Usage
- "Contributing to" (as part of a participial phrase): This phrase is commonly used to show the relationship between a cause and an effect.
- Several factors are contributing to the delay in the project.
- In formal or technical contexts: The adjective is frequently used in reports, analyses, and academic writing to describe partial causality.
- The study identified smoking as a contributing cause of the disease.
Variants and Related Words
- Contribute (verb): To give (money, time, knowledge) to a common purpose or to help cause an outcome.
- He contributes articles to the magazine.
- Contribution (noun): Something that is contributed, such as a sum of money or an action that helps a cause.
- Her financial contribution was essential.
- Contributory (adjective): Very similar in meaning to "contributing," often used interchangeably, especially in legal or formal contexts (e.g., contributory negligence).
- The court found the plaintiff's actions to be contributory.
Synonyms
- Conducive: Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible.
- Instrumental: Serving as a crucial means in bringing about a result.
- Additive: Tending to or capable of adding.
Related Phrases
- Contributing factor: A common collocation meaning an element that plays a part in causing something.
- Stress is a major contributing factor to heart disease.
Adjective
- tending to bring about; being partly responsible for
- working conditions are not conducive to productivity
- the seaport was a contributing factor in the growth of the city
- a contributory factor