The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
      [1913 Webster]

            We are engaged in war; the secretary of state calls
            upon the colonies to contribute.      --Burke.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To give or use one's power or influence for any object; to
      assist.
      [1913 Webster]

            These men also contributed to obstruct the progress
            of wisdom.                            --Goldsmith.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
   [1913 Webster]

         England contributes much more than any other of the
         allies.                                  --Addison.
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WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

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, contribute, add, bring]
    2: contribute to some cause; "I gave at the office" [syn:
       contribute, give, chip in, kick in]
    3: be conducive to; "The use of computers in the classroom lead
       to better writing" [syn: contribute, lead, conduce]
    4: provide; "The city has to put up half the required amount"
       [syn: put up, contribute]