Contributory

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈkɒntɹɪˌbjuːt(ə)ɹi/

Definitions

1. Playing a part in bringing about a result or helping to cause something
2. Assisting in the achievement of an outcome or being a factor that influences a situation
3. Involving participation in a process that leads to a particular effect or outcome

Etymology: "Contributory" is an adjective built from "contribute" and the suffix "-ory," which marks something that serves a purpose or has a particular function. The English word arrived by way of Middle English "contributarie," which was shaped on the Middle French "contributaire." That French form in turn drew on the Latin "contribuere," meaning to bring together or add something to a common stock, from "con-" (together) and "tribuere" (to allot or assign). The Latin root carries a sense of dividing and assigning, which is why the English word has always implied a portion given toward a shared whole. A contributory cause, for instance, is one that adds its share to an outcome rather than producing it alone, and the same notion of supplying a part to a common pool runs through its sense of assisting or influencing a situation.

Synonyms: helpful, cooperative, supportive, beneficial, instrumental

Antonyms: unhelpful, hindering, detrimental, obstructive