incorporate
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to include something so that it becomes a part of a larger group or system.
to integrate or combine something into a pre-existing structure or entity so that it becomes a constituent part.
Simple“The new design will incorporate many of the suggestions made by the staff.”
In context“The researchers decided to incorporate the latest longitudinal data into their final report to ensure the findings reflected current demographic shifts.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'into'.
- 02 C1 Advanced
to officially start a company that has its own legal rights.
to form a legal corporation that is recognised as an entity distinct from its owners.
Simple“They decided to incorporate the business to protect their personal assets.”
In context“The founders chose to incorporate in Delaware due to the state's well-established body of corporate law and favourable tax environment.”
UsageFrequently used in the passive voice or as a past-participle adjective (e.g., 'an incorporated company').
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
to mix an ingredient into a larger mass so that it is spread evenly.
to blend or combine substances into a single, consistent mass.
Simple“Gently incorporate the flour into the egg mixture using a large spoon.”
In context“The chef demonstrated how to slowly incorporate the chilled butter into the sauce to achieve a smooth, glossy emulsion.”
Usage incorporate approach · incorporate component · incorporate element
“A survey conducted by staff at the Frontiers journals found that over half of peer reviewers already incorporate AI into the process in some way, probably at least partly for this reason.”
“The next issue was iterating through all the model changes necessary to incorporate the acrylic and NDF into the clock case.”
From Middle English, from Late Latin incorporātus, perfect passive participle of incorporō (“to embody, to incorporate”), from in- (“in”) + corpus, corporis (“body”).
From in- (“not”) + corporate.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.