Incorporate
/ɪnˈkɔːrpəreɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo include or contain something as a constituent part; to combine or unite something with something else already in existence.
/ɪnˈkɔːrpəreɪt/
To include something as part of a whole.
The recipe incorporates several different spices.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making a smoothie. You INCORPORATE the strawberries (add them) to the other fruits and blend everything together. It's all part of one delicious drink!
👶 For kids: To put something in with other things to make one thing.
More Examples
The company decided to incorporate new technologies into their production line.
We must incorporate feedback to improve our product.
How It's Used
"The new features were incorporated into the latest software update."
"The teacher incorporated different learning styles to cater to students."
To form a company or combine a business into a legally recognized company.
/ɪnˈkɔːrpəreɪt/
To form a legal corporation.
The small business decided to incorporate to limit its liability.
💡 Simply: When you INCORPORATE a business, it's like giving it its own special papers. It becomes a legally separate entity, so it can do business and even be sued separately from its owners.
👶 For kids: To make a business a special kind of legal thing.
More Examples
They plan to incorporate their business by the end of the year.
Many tech startups choose to incorporate in Delaware.
How It's Used
"The entrepreneurs decided to incorporate their startup to protect their personal assets."
Synonyms
Add
Assimilate
Blend
Combine
Include
Constitute
Establish
Form
Idioms & expressions
incorporate by reference
To include a document or information in a legal contract or agreement by simply mentioning it rather than rewriting the entire content.
"The terms and conditions were incorporated by reference into the main contract."
From Latin *incorporatus*, past participle of *incorporare* 'to embody', from *in-* 'in' + *corpus* 'body'.
The word 'incorporate' dates back to the 15th century, originally meaning 'to embody' or 'to give a physical form'. It evolved to include legal and business contexts over time.
Memory tip
Think of a sculptor incorporating new elements into a clay figure.