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integrate

IN-tuh-grayt /ˈɪntɪɡreɪt/

verbB2GRESATACTGMATTOEFLIELTS

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To combine two or more things, people, or groups so that they work together effectively and become a unified whole.

Integration implies that the individual parts retain some identity while forming a harmonious, functional system.

The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin verb 'integrare,' meaning 'to make whole,' this word comes from 'integer,' which means 'untouched, whole, or entire.' When you integrate things, you are not just mixing them; you are combining them to restore or create a complete, unified whole where nothing essential is missing.

Word relationships

unify: Unify means to make multiple things into one single entity, whereas integrate emphasizes the harmonious working relationship between distinct parts.
merge: Merge often implies that the individual identities of the parts are lost in the new entity, which is not necessarily true for integration.

segregate: Segregate means to systematically separate groups of people or things, which is the direct opposite of integration.
isolate: Isolate means to place or keep something entirely apart from others.

Commonly confused with

assimilate: Assimilating forces a minority group to lose its distinct culture to fit in, whereas integrating allows them to maintain their culture while participating fully in society.

Word family

integration (noun): The act or process of combining parts into a whole.
integrative (adjective): Serving or intending to integrate diverse elements.

Collocations

integrate systems
fully integrated
integrate into society
integrate technology

Idioms & expressions

integrate seamlessly

Example sentences

"The city designed new public transit lines to integrate isolated neighborhoods with the bustling commercial center." Discussing social policy and urban planning.

Memory hook

Think of the math term 'integral' or the word 'integrity.' Both are about being complete, unbroken, and whole. Integrate makes things whole.

When not to use

Do not use 'integrate' if you are simply mixing things together temporarily without creating a permanent, unified system.

Fun facts

The mathematical symbol for integration was introduced by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz in the late 17th century.
In psychology, 'personality integration' refers to the process of organizing different aspects of the self into a coherent whole.