Integral
ˈɪntɪɡrəl
Definitions
2 meaningsEssential or fundamental; forming a whole with other parts.
ˈɪntɪɡrəl
Necessary to make a whole complete; essential or fundamental.
Teamwork is integral to the success of the project.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a LEGO castle. If you're missing a crucial piece, like the front door, the castle isn't complete, right? An integral part is like that missing door—it's super important for the whole thing to work and be complete.
👶 For kids: Important part of something big!
More Examples
Exercise is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle.
The museum is integral to the city's cultural heritage.
How It's Used
"Honesty is integral to building trust."
"The integral calculus is essential for calculating areas."
Part of a whole.
ˈɪntɪɡrəl
Forming or belonging as a part of a whole; constituent or component.
Each member of the team is an integral part of the project.
💡 Simply: If you're making a cake, all the ingredients—flour, sugar, eggs—are integral to the final cake. You can't just leave out one ingredient and expect the cake to turn out the same!
👶 For kids: A part of a bigger thing.
More Examples
The support staff is an integral part of the hospital's operation.
The components are integral to the functioning of the machine.
How It's Used
"Each team member is an integral part of the company's success."
Synonyms
Crucial
Essential
Fundamental
Indispensable
Component
Constituent
Inherent
Idioms & expressions
integral calculus
The branch of calculus concerned with the theory and applications of integrals.
"The students are studying integral calculus this semester."
From Latin *integer* ('whole, entire'). It entered English in the late 16th century.
The word 'integral' was first used in the context of arithmetic and geometry.
Memory tip
Think of something that's 'integrated' – it's part of a larger system, and can't be removed without affecting the whole.