Embed
/ɪmˈbɛd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo enclose something firmly within a surrounding substance or structure; to incorporate or include.
/ɪmˈbɛd/
To enclose or set firmly in a surrounding mass.
The jewels were carefully embedded in the crown.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making a cookie, and you *embed* chocolate chips in the dough. You're putting them *inside* the cookie mixture so they're part of the whole thing! You embed a video on your blog when you put the video player into the page, so it's included.
👶 For kids: To put something inside something else, like putting a toy inside a box.
More Examples
The journalist embedded herself with the troops to report on the war.
The company decided to embed the new software features in the next update.
How It's Used
"Fossils are often embedded in rock."
"They embedded the code into the website."
To make something a fundamental or integral part of something else; to integrate deeply.
/ɪmˈbɛd/
To cause (something) to be part of a larger system or structure.
The company is trying to embed a culture of innovation.
💡 Simply: It's like when you take a good idea and make it part of how everything works. Let's say a company wants to treat employees well. They might *embed* that value into their daily decisions, making it a real part of their work culture.
👶 For kids: To make something part of a bigger thing, like putting a picture into a story.
More Examples
The new security features were embedded into the system.
They are working to embed data analysis into their decision-making processes.
How It's Used
"They are working to embed sustainability into their core business practices."
"How can we embed our ethics policy into our company's culture?"
Idioms & expressions
embedded system
A computer system designed for a specific task within a larger device or system.
"The car's engine control unit is an example of an embedded system."
embedded journalist
A journalist who is attached to a military unit during a conflict.
"During the war, several reporters acted as embedded journalists."
From Middle English *embeden*, from Old English *imbēdan* ('to set in, enclose'), from *in-* ('in') + *bēdan* ('to command, bid').
The word 'embed' has been used since the late 14th century to describe the act of enclosing or setting something firmly in a surrounding mass, with the more abstract sense of integrating something into a larger system developing over time. The concept of the 'embedded journalist' is a more recent development, especially prominent during modern conflicts.
Memory tip
Think of a gem being embedded in a ring; it's securely held within.