integer
B2/C1Technical, Academic, Formal
Definition
Meaning
A whole number; a number that is not a fraction.
In mathematics, any member of the set {..., -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, ...}. In computing, a data type representing whole numbers.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Always refers to a whole number, never a decimal or fraction. The concept includes negative whole numbers, zero, and positive whole numbers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. American English may more frequently use 'whole number' in primary education contexts, while British English consistently uses 'integer' at secondary level and above.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with mathematics, computer science, and formal logic. Lacks everyday conversational use.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse, but high frequency in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [variable] stores an integer.The function returns an integer.The result must be an integer.[Number] is an integer.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in specific technical reports involving data or calculations.
Academic
Common in mathematics, computer science, physics, and engineering texts and lectures.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used when helping with homework or in specific board games.
Technical
Extremely common in programming, algorithms, data science, and formal mathematics.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The algorithm requires integer inputs.
- Ensure the value is in integer form.
American English
- The function parameter must be integer.
- We need an integer result.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Five is an integer.
- Zero is also an integer.
- The answer should be a simple integer, not a fraction.
- In the game, you can only move an integer number of spaces.
- The program crashed because it encountered a non-integer value where an integer was expected.
- When dividing these two integers in Python using '//', the result is also an integer.
- The cryptographic protocol relies on the computational difficulty of factoring large integers into their prime components.
- The model's predictions were discretized, constraining the output to a finite set of integers.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine 'INTEGER' as 'IN-TIGER'. A tiger is a whole animal, not a fraction of one. So an integer is a whole number.
Conceptual Metaphor
A solid, indivisible unit (like a brick or a person). Contrasts with the metaphor of a fluid or divisible substance for fractions.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'интеграл' (integral). 'Integer' is 'целое число'.
- The stress is on the first syllable: ИНтеджер.
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing it as /ɪnˈtiːɡər/ (in-TEE-ger).
- Using it to refer to any number, including decimals.
- Confusing 'integer division' (which truncates) with normal division.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT necessarily true about an integer?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, zero is an integer. The set of integers includes all negative whole numbers, zero, and all positive whole numbers.
In strict mathematical terms, the set of 'whole numbers' often refers to non-negative integers (0, 1, 2, 3...), whereas 'integers' explicitly include the negatives (...-2, -1, 0, 1, 2...). In casual use, they are often synonyms.
It is a fundamental data type (often called 'int') used to store whole numbers without decimal points. Operations on integers are typically faster than on floating-point numbers.
No, by definition, an integer is not a fraction. However, every integer can be expressed *as* a fraction (e.g., 5 = 5/1), which is why all integers are also rational numbers.