WordGarden.iointegration
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌɪntɪɡrˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ˌɪnəˈɡreɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
the connection of software, systems, or services so they work together
the combining of organizations, teams, processes, or operations into one coordinated whole
the inclusion of people from different social, racial, or ethnic groups in shared institutions or society
More meaningsFewer meanings
the mathematical process of finding an integral
Beyond the definition
Integration is the process of bringing different parts together so they become one whole. Think of a puzzle: each piece is separate, but when the pieces fit together, they make a full picture. It is not only about physical things. In social life, integration means people from different backgrounds becoming part of the same community. In technology, it means different software programs or hardware parts working together smoothly. You will often see the word in phrases like school integration, where students of different races learn together, or economic integration, where countries connect their markets more closely. If you integrate a new habit, like exercise, into your daily routine, it becomes a natural part of your life.
Integration describes the act of combining diverse elements to form a functional, unified system—whether those elements are physical objects, abstract ideas, people, or complex organizations. It is more than just placing things side-by-side; true integration implies that the components become interconnected and function as a single entity.
You can observe integration in almost every facet of life. In the culinary arts, integrating flavors means blending spices and ingredients so they complement each other perfectly rather than clashing. In biology, it refers to the way various organs and systems within a body function together to maintain life. Socially, integration is the process of ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds are included and valued within a shared community, breaking down barriers that cause segregation.
In the realm of technology, integration is a cornerstone of modern efficiency. Software integration allows distinct programs to communicate and share data, while a smartphone is a marvel of hardware integration, combining a phone, camera, computer, and media player into one sleek device. The term also holds significant weight in policy and social justice; school integration refers to desegregating educational institutions so that students of different racial or socioeconomic backgrounds learn alongside one another. Economically, it describes nations reducing trade barriers to create a more unified global market. Even in mathematics, "integration" is a fundamental concept used to find areas, volumes, and totals by summing infinitesimal parts.
Ultimately, integration is about creating synergy—a state where the combined effect of the separate elements is greater than the sum of their individual parts. It is a process that requires coordination and a willingness to connect, aiming to bring disparate pieces together for a common, harmonious purpose.
Examples
- 1
Team management
The new manager encouraged the integration of the two teams.
- 2
System change
Good planning made the integration of the old system and the new system much easier.
- 3
App connections
The app offers easy integration with Google Calendar and Slack.
- Patternintegration with + system/tool
connection that lets two systems work together
- 4
School inclusion
The school runs language classes to support the integration of immigrant children into the classroom.
- Patternintegration into + group/place
becoming part of that group or place
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Data systems
The company struggled with data integration after buying three smaller businesses.
- 6
Economic policy
The report discusses the economic integration of neighboring countries.
- 7
Calculus
In calculus, integration is often taught after differentiation.
- Domain
in calculus, integration is used to find totals, such as areas under curves
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- system integration
- data integration
- social integration
- seamless integration
Word family
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Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- integrationnoun
Forms
- integrationspluralnoun