ENGLISH
REFERENCE

integrate

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈɪnəˌɡɹeɪt// UK //ˈɪntɪɡɹˌeɪt// in·te·grate Academic Archaic General-service

v. to combine two or more things so they work together as one. You can also use it to describe joining a new group or society.

v. to combine or coordinate separate elements into a unified whole. Often used in social contexts to describe the process of becoming a full member of a community or organization.


SIMPLE

The new software will integrate easily with our current system.

CONTEXTUAL

The school works hard to integrate new students into the local community through sports and social clubs.

COMPLEX

Successful urban planning requires the ability to integrate modern infrastructure with historical architecture without compromising the aesthetic integrity of the city center.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

First attested in the 1450's as an adjective, first attested in 1638 as a verb; from Middle English integrat(e) (“intact, whole”), borrowed from Latin integrātus, perfect passive participle of integrō (“to make whole, renew, repair, begin again”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and -ate (adjective-forming suffix)), from integer (“whole, fresh”) + -ō (verb-forming suffix). See integer and integral.

Usage

The verb is transitive when combining things, but can be used intransitively when describing a person joining a group. Often takes the preposition 'into' or 'with'.

Pitfall

integrate to the systemintegrate into the systemThe verb typically takes 'into' or 'with' rather than 'to' when describing the target of the combination.

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