a. [f. CONTRIBUTE + -IVE (L. type *contribūtīv-us): cf. F. contributif, -ive (15th c.).] That has the quality or power of contributing; fitted to contribute to.
1583. in Sir J. Melvil, Mem. (1735), 301. Your Majesty’s Favour and Assistance will be more contributive for his Advantage.
1659. Hammond, On Ps. xxxvi. 4. If it seem contributive to their interests.
1793. W. Roberts, Looker-on, No. 78. Those which are essential and those which are contributive.
1794. Sullivan, View Nat., II. 47. Exercise taken in open air, is much more contributive to health.
Hence Contributively adv.; Contributiveness.
a. 1866. J. Grote, Exam. Utilit. Philos., iv. (1870), 67. Its contributiveness to the great purpose of universal good.
