Integral

Essential; necessary to make something complete or whole.

adjective

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Imagine This

A science teacher is teaching her students about nutrition. She is using Katherine as an example, 'It is essential in her growth to eat a balanced diet. Vitamins, proteins and fiber are good, and fat is bad.'

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Sounds Like

IN-tuh-gruhl

👀

Looks Like

integer + al

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Remember This

For math students familiar with calculus, the integral is an essential concept.

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Other Forms

integralnoun

integrallyadverb

integralitynoun

integrationnoun

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Connect With

essential, indispensable, fundamental, component, whole

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Note

Don't confuse with 'integer' (a whole number). In math, 'integral' can refer to an antiderivative or to something that is necessary to make a whole.

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Study Deeper

Examples

A good education is integral to a successful career.
A passport is an integral part of international travel.

Synonyms

essentialvitalnecessaryfundamentalindispensable

Antonyms

nonessentialunnecessaryoptional

Etymology

From Latin integralis 'whole, complete', from integer 'whole'.

Mnemonic

Integral sounds like 'entire'; remember that an integral part is part of the entire whole.

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Dearth

noun

Scarcity; a lack of something that is needed or desired.

Insolence

noun

Bold, disrespectful impudence or attitude toward someone, especially toward authority.

Suspicious

adjective

Doubtful or skeptical about someone’s honesty or motives; inclined to mistrust.

Similar Words

Related words and words with the same part of speech.

Indispensable

adjective

Absolutely necessary; essential; cannot be done without.

Fundamental

adjective

Forming the essential base or core; central, foundational, and necessary for something's existence or operation.

Abstruse

adjective

Difficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.

Accidental

adjective

Happening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.

Acerbic

adjective

Sharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.

Acquiescent

adjective

Ready to agree or approve without protest; compliant.

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