integration

/ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃn/
the act of combining into a whole

The integration of new employees into the team was smooth.

The process of including new team members without disruption.


formal

the process of combining or coordinating separate elements into a unified whole

The software supports the integration of third-party plugins.

The software allows external tools to be combined with its system.

Cultural integration is key to social cohesion.

Cultural integration refers to the blending of diverse groups into a harmonious society.

Often used in technical, social, and business contexts to describe unification or incorporation.

technical

mathematics: the process of finding an integral

The integration of the function f(x) = x^2 from 0 to 1 is 1/3.

The mathematical process of calculating the area under the curve of f(x) = x^2 between 0 and 1 yields 1/3.

In calculus, integration is the reverse process of differentiation.

technical

sociology: the process by which minority groups become part of the dominant culture

The city's policy aims to promote integration among diverse ethnic communities.

The policy encourages minority groups to adopt the dominant culture's norms and values.

Contrast with 'assimilation,' which implies losing original cultural identity.

Collocations

cultural integrationthe blending of different cultures into a cohesive societysystem integrationthe process of linking different computing systems and software applications physically or functionallyeconomic integrationthe unification of economic policies between different states through the partial or full abolition of tariff and non-tariff restrictions on trade

Related Phrases

integrate intophrasal verb
to become part of a group or system naturally
integrated circuitphrase
a set of electronic circuits on one small flat chip of semiconductor material, used in computers and other electronic equipment

Pro Tip

Distinguish integration from assimilation

Integration allows groups to maintain their identity while participating in a larger whole (e.g., cultural integration). Assimilation requires groups to adopt the dominant culture's norms, often losing their original identity.

Gold Rule

Use 'integration' for harmonious combination

Integration suggests a positive, cohesive process where elements retain their essence while contributing to a unified system. Example: 'The integration of new software improved workflow efficiency.'

Word Origin

From Latin *integratio(n-)*, from *integrare* 'to make whole,' from *integer* 'whole, intact' (from *in-* 'not' + *tangere* 'to touch'). First recorded in English in the mid-17th century.

Usage Notes

Integration implies a harmonious combination where the parts retain their identity while contributing to a unified whole. Avoid confusing with 'assimilation' (loss of identity) or 'differentiation' (separation into distinct parts).

Word Breakdown

integ-
whole, intact
root
+
-ation
action or process
suffix
English Dictionary