intègrer

Intégrer is a French verb that conveys the idea of making something a part of a larger whole. It can refer to combining elements into a system, incorporating a component or practice into a process, or embedding something within a framework. The reflexive form s’intégrer means to become integrated or assimilated within a group, organization, or society.

Etymology and forms: the verbcomes from Latin integrāre, from integer meaning “whole.” The sense evolved from making something whole to the broader idea of joining elements, people, or processes so that they function as a unified unit. Intégrer is a regular -er verb, used with common constructions such as intégrer quelque chose dans quelque chose (to integrate something into something) and s’intégrer dans/un groupe, dans une société (to fit into a group or society).

Senses in different domains: In social and organizational contexts, intégration refers to bringing individuals or groups into a system or community, or to the process by which someone becomes part of that community. In mathematics, intégrer denotes the operation of calculating an integral of a function. In computing, business, and education, it often means merging modules, data, or curricula into an existing system to ensure coherence and interoperability.

Usage notes: the noun form is intégration, and related terms include intégrateur (integrator) and intégratif/ive (integrative). The verb can pair with prepositions such as dans (intégrer dans), à (intégrer à une équipe), or s’ (s’intégrer dans). It contrasts with verbs like exclure or séparer, which express the opposite sense of keeping elements apart.

Examples: La société a intégré un nouveau logiciel dans son système. Elle s’intègre facilement dans le groupe grâce à son esprit d’équipe. On calcule l’intégrale de f(x) sur [a, b].