include
ihn-KLOOD
Include (verb) means to have something as part of a whole; to contain. Example: “The price includes breakfast and taxes.”
verb
1
To have something as part of a whole; to contain.
"The price includes breakfast and taxes."
"The guest list includes several old friends from university."
"Does the ticket include a free ride on the shuttle bus?"
2
To add something to a group or category.
"Please include your phone number on the form."
"Remember to include the little ones when you plan the games."
"We should include a short summary at the end of the report."
How to use include
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo have as a part, or to add something to a set.
Common mistake
Comprise means "to consist of," and traditionally shouldn't be followed by "of" — many people confuse it with include, which works fine with a direct object ("the price includes tax").
Easily confused with
Common pairings
include tax
not limited to but including
include everyone
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Word forms
- Plural
- includes
- Third person singular
- includes
- Past tense
- included
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The price _____ breakfast and taxes.
Etymology
From Latin includere, "to shut in, enclose," from in- + claudere, "to shut" — the same root as "close" and "enclose."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for include
See all rhymes for include →Frequently asked questions
What does “include” mean?
The word “include” means to have something as part of a whole; to contain. In plain terms, to have as a part, or to add something to a set.
How do you pronounce “include”?
“Include” is pronounced ihn-KLOOD (/ɪnˈkluːd/ in IPA).
How do you use “include” in a sentence?
Here is “include” used in a sentence: “The price includes breakfast and taxes.”
What is another word for “include”?
Words with a similar meaning to “include” include add, admit, allow, bear, circumscribe and come with.
What is the opposite of “include”?
The opposite of “include” — its antonyms — are exclude, drop, lack, omit and refrain.
What part of speech is “include”?
“Include” is a verb.
Where does the word “include” come from?
The word “include” comes from Latin. From Latin includere, "to shut in, enclose," from in- + claudere, "to shut" — the same root as "close" and "enclose.".
Is “include” a common word?
“Include” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between include and comprise?
"Include" introduces some parts of a whole, often not all of them; "the team includes two doctors" suggests there are more members. "Comprise" lists all the parts; "the team comprises two doctors and a nurse" means those are everyone. Use "include" for a partial list and "comprise" for the complete makeup.
What is the opposite of 'include'?
The main opposite is "exclude," meaning to leave something out or keep it from being part of the whole. Related opposites include "omit" and "leave out." Where "include" brings something in as part of a group or total, "exclude" deliberately keeps it outside.
Does 'include' mean the list is complete?
Not usually. "Include" often signals that you are naming some, but not necessarily all, of the parts. "The price includes breakfast" does not imply breakfast is the only thing covered. To show a full, complete list, "comprise" or "consist of" is clearer than "include."
What is an example of 'include' in a sentence?
"The tour includes a visit to the castle" shows the verb: the castle visit is one part of the larger tour. Similarly, "your rights include free returns" names one item among others. In each case, "include" points to something contained within a bigger whole.
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