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insert

B1
verbnoun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ɪnˈsɜːt/transitiveverb
  • /ˈɪnsɜːt/noun

US

  • /ˈɪnˌsɜrt/
  • /ˌɪnˈsɜrt/

Description

To insert something means to carefully put it into something else. Think of putting a key into a lock or a photo into an album. It is about fitting one thing neatly inside another. You might insert yourself into a conversation (though be polite!), or a cook might insert herbs into a piece of meat for extra flavor. Sometimes "insert" is used in technology too. You can insert a picture into a document or a comment into an online discussion.

The key to remembering "insert" is the idea of careful placement. It is not just adding something; it is placing it specifically within something else. A skilled surgeon might insert a tiny camera during an operation, and a writer might insert a clever joke into a story. Be careful, though: inserting the wrong thing can cause problems, much like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.

Examples

  1. 1

    Payment machine

    Please insert your card into the machine and enter your PIN.

  2. 2

    Key and lock

    She inserted the key into the lock, but it would not turn.

  3. 3

    Document editing

    You can insert a photo in the middle of the document.

  4. 4

    Punctuation

    The teacher asked us to insert a comma after the opening phrase.

  5. 5

    Story editing

    The writer inserted a short scene between the first two chapters.

  6. 6

    Social intrusion

    He kept trying to insert himself into our conversation.

    • Pattern

      insert yourself into + situation/conversation

      become involved, often when you are not wanted

  7. 7

    Newspaper noun

    The Sunday paper came with a colorful advertising insert.

    • Meaning

      an insert

      extra pages added to a newspaper, magazine, or package

Forms and spellings

4 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • insertnounverb

Forms

  • insertedpast tenseverbnoun
  • inserting-ing formverbnoun
  • insertspluralnounverb