contributory: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “contributory” mean?
Playing a part in bringing about a result.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Playing a part in bringing about a result; helping to cause something.
Relating to or involving a contribution, especially a financial one, as in a pension scheme where both employer and employee pay in.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In financial/legal contexts (e.g., pensions, negligence), 'contributory' is standard in both. The phrase 'contributory negligence' is a legal term in both jurisdictions. No significant difference in core meaning.
Connotations
Neutral to slightly formal. In legal contexts, can have negative connotations (e.g., 'contributory negligence' implies the victim shares blame).
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both, with slightly higher use in UK due to specific pension terminology ('contributory pension').
Grammar
How to Use “contributory” in a Sentence
be + contributory + to + NP (e.g., was contributory to the accident)a contributory factor/cause in + NPVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “contributory” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Poor maintenance was a contributory factor in the bridge's collapse.
- She pays into a contributory pension scheme through her employer.
American English
- The investigation found driver fatigue to be a contributory cause of the crash.
- The company offers a contributory 401(k) plan.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to pension schemes where employees make payments (e.g., 'a contributory retirement plan').
Academic
Used in analyses to describe one of multiple causes (e.g., 'Several contributory variables were identified.').
Everyday
Rare in casual speech. Might be used in discussions of causes (e.g., 'Stress was a contributory factor in his illness.').
Technical
Key term in law ('contributory negligence') and finance ('contributory benefits').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “contributory”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “contributory”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “contributory”
- Using 'contributive' (non-standard) instead of 'contributory'.
- Using it as the sole cause (e.g., 'The contributory reason' instead of 'a contributory reason').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Contributory' implies a secondary or partial role in causing something, not the main or primary cause.
It is very rare and awkward to use 'contributory' to describe a person directly. Use 'contributing' instead (e.g., a contributing member).
A legal doctrine where the injured party's own carelessness contributed to their harm, which can reduce or bar their compensation.
'Contributory' is more directly causal (helps make it happen). 'Conducive' means creating favourable conditions for something to happen (helps it happen more easily).
Playing a part in bringing about a result.
Contributory is usually formal, technical in register.
Contributory: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈtrɪbjʊt(ə)ri/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈtrɪbjəˌtɔːri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A contributory factor”
- “Play a contributory role”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CONTRIBUTE' + 'ORY'. If something is contributory, it CONTRIBUTES to an outcome.
Conceptual Metaphor
CAUSATION IS A RECIPE (it is one ingredient among many).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'contributory' MOST specifically and technically used?