Insert

/ɪnˈsɜːrt/

verbBeginner🔥Very CommonAction
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To put or add something into something else.

/ɪnˈsɜːrt/

verbneutralBeginner
Action

To put or place (something) into something else.

Insert the key into the ignition and start the car.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing with LEGOs! When you *insert* a brick, you're just putting it in a specific spot, like connecting two pieces. You can insert a note into a letter or insert a coin into a vending machine. The key is to *put in*.

👶 For kids: To put something inside something else, like putting a toy in a box!

More Examples

2

She inserted her name into the document.

3

The doctor had to insert a needle to give the medicine.

How It's Used

Technology

"Insert the USB drive into the computer."

Writing

"Please insert a paragraph here."

2

Something that is put or added into something else; a separate item included in something larger.

/ˈɪnsɜːrt/

nounneutralmedium
Object

Something that is inserted.

The magazine featured a colorful insert showcasing new products.

💡 Simply: Imagine a flyer or a special page added into a magazine or newspaper. This extra bit of information is an *insert*. It can be a map or a piece of paper with a special offer. It's a thing that is inserted into something bigger.

👶 For kids: A little extra thing added in, like a surprise page in a book or a sticker in a toy box!

More Examples

2

The special insert offered a discount coupon.

3

I found an insert with detailed instructions in the box.

How It's Used

Journalism

"The editor requested an insert with the latest news."

Printing

"The magazine included a promotional insert."

Tip:Think of a magazine *insert* containing an advertisement.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

insert oneself

To intrude or involve oneself, often where one is not welcome.

"He always inserts himself into conversations, even when he doesn't know the subject."

From Latin *insertus*, past participle of *inserere* 'to put in, to set in', from *in-* 'in' + *serere* 'to join, to put in order'.

The word *insert* has been used in English since the 16th century, originally with a broader sense of 'to graft' or 'to set in'.

Memory tip

Think of *inserting* a key into a lock.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to put in, set in"

insert intoinsert a keyinsert a fileinsert an imageinsert a comment

Common misspellings

inserteinnsertinsertt

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written