Word
integral
Meanings
Essential and necessary as part of a whole.
Whole or complete; not divided into separate parts.
In calculus, a function or the result of integration representing accumulated quantity or area under a curve.
Definition
Integral means essential and necessary as part of a whole.
If something is integral, it is a vital part of a larger system, plan, or process and cannot be removed without changing the whole. The word often describes people, ideas, or features that are essential for something to work well. In mathematics, integral also refers to a calculus concept related to area and accumulation.
Examples
- Clear communication is integral to keeping a remote team aligned across time zones.
- She treated fieldwork as integral to her research, not just an optional extra.
- They argue that public trust is integral to any long-term reform effort.
- I realized that patience is integral to learning a new language at an advanced level.
- In calculus class, he computed the integral and compared it with the shaded area on the graph.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse integral (essential) with integrated (combined into a whole), using the wrong adjective for the meaning.
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.