Integration

Definition

The act or process of combining two or more things so they work together, or the result of doing this.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɪntəˈɡreɪʃən/
• Respelling: in-tuh-GRAY-shun (with "in" as in "tin," "tuh" as in "sofa," "GRAY" as in "say," and "shun" as in "nation")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃən/
• Respelling: in-ti-GRAY-shun (with "in" as in "tin," "ti" as in "sit," "GRAY" as in "say," and "shun" as in "nation")

In both dialects, "integration" places the primary stress on the third syllable, "GRAY." The American pronunciation includes "tuh" while the British pronunciation includes "ti," focusing on the clear articulation of "in-tuh-GRAY-shun" (American) and "in-ti-GRAY-shun" (British).

Etymology

Originates from the Latin word integratio, derived from integrare ("to make whole"), which stems from the word integer ("whole").

Derivatives

• Integrate (verb)
• Integrative (adjective)
• Integrator (noun)
• Integral (adjective)
• Integrated (adjective)

Synonyms

• Unification
• Merging
• Fusion

Antonyms

• Separation
• Disintegration
• Segregation

Usage

Integration is used in various contexts to describe the process of unifying or coordinating different elements into a cohesive whole. It is often discussed in terms of social inclusion, system design, and organizational management.

Related Terms

• Assimilation
• Incorporation
• Combination
• Cohesion
• Synchronization

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Integration (Noun, General): The process of combining or coordinating separate elements to work together effectively.
  • Example: "The integration of new technologies into the existing system improved efficiency."

• Integration (Noun, Social): The process of bringing different groups (such as ethnic or racial groups) into equal participation in or membership of a social group or institution.
  • Example: "Efforts towards social integration aim to reduce inequalities and promote inclusivity."

• Integration (Noun, Mathematics): The process of finding the integral of a function, which is the reverse process of differentiation.
  • Example: "In calculus, integration is used to find areas under curves and solve differential equations."

Note: "Integration" can refer to various contexts, from the technical aspect of merging different systems to the social and cultural combination of diverse groups. In mathematics, it's a foundational concept in calculus.