integral
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for integral, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Essential to completeness; a necessary part of a whole.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use integral
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin integer, "whole, untouched" — the same root as the number word "integer."
Full origin of integral →Frequently asked questions
What does “integral” mean?
The word “integral” means essential to completeness; a necessary part of a whole. In plain terms, either "necessary/built-in" (everyday sense) or a calculus term for the area/total under a curve (maths sense).
How do you pronounce “integral”?
“Integral” is pronounced IHN-tihgrl (/ˈɪntəɡɹəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “integral” in a sentence?
Here is “integral” used in a sentence: “Trust is integral to any good working relationship.”
What part of speech is “integral”?
Depending on how it is used, “integral” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “integral” come from?
The word “integral” comes from Latin. From Latin integer, "whole, untouched" — the same root as the number word "integer.".
Is “integral” a common word?
“Integral” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “integral” have?
“Integral” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: essential to completeness; a necessary part of a whole.
What is the difference between integral and integrated?
Integral, as an adjective, means essential to completeness, a necessary part of a whole. Integrated means combined or brought together into a unified whole. Something integral is required for the whole to be complete, while something integrated has been merged into it.
What is the difference between integral and essential?
Both mean necessary, but integral stresses being a built-in, inseparable part of a larger whole, while essential stresses being absolutely required. They are close synonyms and often interchangeable.
Is it correct to say integral to or an integral part of?
Both are correct. You can say something is "integral to" a system, where a noun follows, or that it is "an integral part of" it, which is a common fixed phrase. Both express that the thing is essential to the whole.
What is the difference between an integral and a derivative in math?
In calculus, an integral finds the area under a curve or a function's total accumulated value, while a derivative finds the rate at which a function is changing. They are inverse operations of each other.