integrate - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
integrate Word Meanings
- to combine parts into a whole
- to become part of a group
- to incorporate into a larger unit
integrate Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
integrate Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɪntɪɡreɪt/
US
/ˈɪntɪɡreɪt/
integrate Word Etymology
From 'in-' (into) + 'grate' (to make whole). Originating from Latin 'integrare' (to make whole) → Old French 'integrer' → English. Imagine a puzzle where each piece fits perfectly, creating a complete picture.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I pick up a small piece and place it next to the growing picture. I move it a touch, turn it to fit, then adjust my grip and hold steady. As more parts slide into place, the pieces stop competing and start belonging to the whole. I sense my actions shifting from lone effort to a shared sense of belonging, a quiet moment of integration.
Real Context
Integrate means to bring parts together to form a complete, functioning whole. In English we use it for physical assembly, social inclusion, and system design. You can integrate pieces of a puzzle, integrate a new feature into software, or integrate a new employee into a team. The sense of becoming part of a larger unit contrasts with simply adding things side by side. It can also imply coordination and compatibility, as in integrating data from multiple sources or integrating regulations into a policy. Learners should watch for collocations: integrate into, integrate with, well-integrated, integration as a noun. Pronunciation stresses second syllable: inTEG-rate.
Usage Reminders
- • Use into with a direction: integrate into a system; use with for compatibility.
- • Treat integration as a process and use integration as the noun.
- • Distinguish between people (integrate into a group) and things (integrate with tools).
- • Pronounce with stress on the second syllable: inTEG-rate.
- • Be careful not to say 'integrate in' in most contexts.
- • Compare with similar verbs: incorporate, merge, unify.
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing integrate with insert: integrate means forming a whole, not just adding parts.
- Thinking integration always means data merging; it also covers people and processes.
- Mistaking 'integrate into' for 'integrate in' in most contexts.
- Using integration as a noun in wrong positions; this is a process or state, not a thing.
- Overlooking the subtle difference between 'incorporate' and 'integrate' in some contexts.
Thinking Differences
In English, integrate often stresses forming a cohesive whole and is used broadly for people, data, and systems. Learners must note the typical prepositions (into, with) and the noun integration. Some learners overgeneralize to mean simply adding parts, which weakens the sense of cohesion.
Learning Tips
- Practice both 'integrate into' and 'integrate with' in varied contexts.
- Differentiate 'integration' (process/noun) from 'integrate' (verb).
- Compare with synonyms: incorporate, merge, unify for nuance.
- Read real-world examples to notice collocations.
- Remember the pronunciation: inTEG-rate with stress on the second syllable.
- Be mindful of the preposition choice with people vs things.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'integrate'?
A.Separate
B.Confuse
C.Destroy
D.Combine
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'integrate' correctly?
A.She tried to disintegrate the puzzle pieces.
B.The new software will help integrate all our data.
C.They were able to eliminate barriers to integration.
D.The conflicting ideas continued to segregate.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'integrate'?
A.Separate
B.Neglect
C.Merge
D.Isolate
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'integrate'?
A.Divide
B.Amalgamate
C.Join
D.Unify
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life scenario would you need to integrate different systems or processes?
A.Baking a cake
B.Doing laundry
C.Reading a book
D.Programming a new app
Related Listening
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