integrate
B2formal-neutral
Definition
Meaning
To combine one thing with another so they become a whole; to join a group and become accepted as part of it.
To bring people or groups into equal participation in a society or organization; in mathematics, to find the integral of a function; to become a full member of a social group.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a seamless or harmonious combination where the separate elements lose some distinctness within the new whole. In social contexts, it carries a strong connotation of equality and active inclusion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal difference in core meaning. 'Integrate into' is slightly more common in British English, while 'integrate with' is slightly more frequent in American English, though both prepositions are used interchangeably in both varieties.
Connotations
In the US, the term has significant historical and social weight related to racial desegregation (e.g., integrating schools). In the UK, it is strongly associated with debates on immigration and social cohesion.
Frequency
Comparably high frequency in both academic and public discourse in both regions due to its relevance in social policy, technology, and business.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
integrate A into Bintegrate A with Bintegrate into BA and B integrateVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A tough nut to integrate (informal, rare)”
- “Integrated into the fabric of (something)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to merging systems, departments, or acquired companies (e.g., 'We need to integrate the new software with our existing CRM.')
Academic
Used in social sciences (immigration studies), mathematics (calculus), and technology (systems design).
Everyday
Common in discussions about community, schools, and work teams (e.g., 'New students need time to integrate.')
Technical
In computing: to combine software/hardware components; in engineering: to design as a unified system.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The government has a policy to integrate refugees into local communities.
- Can we integrate the feedback from the survey into the final plan?
- The new update won't integrate with older operating systems.
American English
- The school district worked to integrate its classrooms.
- The app integrates seamlessly with your calendar.
- They are trying to integrate the two departments to improve efficiency.
adverb
British English
- The modules work integratedly as a single unit. (rare/technical)
American English
- The systems are designed to function integratingly. (rare/technical)
adjective
British English
- The integrated transport system makes commuting easier.
- She leads a highly integrated life, balancing work and family.
American English
- An integrated circuit is a key component.
- We offer a fully integrated solution for small businesses.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children quickly integrated into their new school.
- This toy integrates lights and sounds.
- The company plans to integrate the two teams next month.
- It's important to integrate exercise into your daily routine.
- The software allows you to integrate data from multiple sources.
- Successful immigrants often integrate well while maintaining their own culture.
- The study examines the challenges of integrating renewable energy into the national grid.
- His theory integrates concepts from psychology, sociology, and economics.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of making something ENTIRE by adding parts to it. IN-TE-GRATE sounds like 'into a great' whole.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL FABRIC (Individuals are threads woven into the social fabric). PARTS OF A MACHINE (Components are fitted together into a functioning system).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'интегрировать' – while a direct cognate, the English word has a much stronger social connotation of inclusion and equality. The Russian term is more technical. Avoid using 'интегрировать' in casual speech where 'объединять' or 'включать' might be more natural.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'integrate' without a necessary preposition (e.g., 'They integrated the system' – needs 'into/with'). Confusing 'integrate' (combine into a whole) with 'initiate' (to begin).
Practice
Quiz
In a social context, what does 'integrate' MOST strongly imply?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Assimilate' suggests the minority group absorbs the culture of the majority, often losing its distinct identity. 'Integrate' implies a two-way process where groups come together while potentially retaining their own characteristics.
Not always. While generally positive, it can be neutral (technical integration) or have negative connotations if forced (e.g., 'forcibly integrated'), implying a loss of autonomy.
Yes, in an intransitive sense, often with 'into' or 'with'. E.g., 'The new students are integrating well.' or 'The two systems failed to integrate.'
The main noun forms are 'integration' (the process) and 'integrity' (a different, though related, concept meaning wholeness or honesty). The adjective is 'integrated'.