Integral Meaning: Here’s What It Means and How to Use It?

Your writing, at its best

Compose bold, clear, mistake-free, writing with Grammarly's AI-powered writing assistant

Has anyone ever told you that you’re an integral part of a team, leaving you to wonder what the word integral even means? Not to worry; we’re here to help!

In this guide, we’re exploring the English word integral to uncover its definition, usage, synonyms, and more. So if you’ve ever been curious about the term integral — keep reading. 

What Is the Definition of Integral?

/ɪnˈtɛg rəl/ /ɪnˈtɛgrəl/ /ˈɪn tɪ grəl/ /ˈɪntɪgrəl/

If we look at any of the many trusted English Language Dictionaries, we will see that integral means something that is very important and more often than not, necessary. A good example of this would be stating that you are an integral part of your team — the usage of integral here implies that your team would simply not function without you. 

When used as an adjective, integral has a few slightly varying definitions, which we have listed for you to review below:

  • Composed of confident parts
  • Crucial to completeness 
  • Lacking nothing essential

Additionally, the Collins Dictionary states that integral — when used in reference to mathematics — refers to either a definite integral or indefinite integral. Below you will find a quick guide on both definite and indefinite integrals:

  • Definite Integral — A definite integral or Riemann integral, of a function f(x), is an integral in which the range of integration is specified. A Riemann integral’s value equals the area on a graph bounded by two given coordinates, the x-axis and a curve.
  • Indefinite integral — also called an antiderivative of a function f(x); refers to any function that, when differentiated, yields a given function. Furthermore, integration is the process of finding an indefinite integral. It should be noted that an indefinite integral is most commonly seen in symbolic form, which is written ∫ f(x)dx where f(x) is the given function.

What Are the Synonyms and Antonyms of Integral?

Now that you have a better understanding of the word integral let’s take a look at some synonyms and antonyms! 

Synonyms of integral include:

  • Essential
  • Key
  • Necessary
  • Major
  • Indispensable
  • Joined at the hip
  • Thick as thieves 
  • In each other’s pocket
  • As one
  • Tied up 
  • Must have
  • Inherent
  • Principal
  • Crucial
  • Fundamental
  • At the heart of
  • Complete
  • Entire
  • Thorough
  • Full-fledged
  • All-inclusive
  • Exhaustive
  • Total
  • Unified
  • Built-in
  • Incorporated
  • Accompanying
  • Constituent
  • Part and parcel
  • Intrinsic 
  • Deep down
  • Bred in the bone
  • In your blood
  • Natural born
  • Deep-seated
  • All important
  • Pre-eminent
  • Meat and potatoes 
  • Prerequisite
  • Vitally important
  • Called for
  • High priority
  • Primary
  • Obligatory 

Antonyms of integral include:

  • Inessential
  • Unnecessary
  • To no purpose
  • De trop
  • Not required
  • Uncalled for
  • Too much 
  • Replaceable
  • Groundless
  • Disposable 
  • Gratuitous 
  • Half-finished
  • Surplus
  • Fractional
  • Partially complete
  • Trivial 
  • Skippable
  • Not concluded
  • Partial
  • Imperfect
  • Not finished 
  • Fractional
  • Incomplete
  • Unfinished
  • Limited
  • Wide of the mark
  • Not pertinent
  • Off the point
  • Beside the point
  • Inexact
  • Part
  • Unwhole
  • Reduced
  • Supplemental
  • Contributory
  • Ancillary
  • Supporting
  • Adventitious
  • Of no account
  • Affected
  • Nurtured
  • Not included 

How Can You Use Integral in a Sentence?

By now, you likely understand that integral simply means necessary to make a whole complete, but do you know how to use it in a sentence? Not to worry— integral can be a challenging term to fully grasp! That said, here are some example sentences for you to review:

“Did you know that the definition of integral is different when used in calculus?”

“Everyone knows that the engine is an integral part of just about any motor vehicle.”

“My manager told me that I was an integral part of the team, which is why I was given a raise.”

“Tammy occupied herself by inventing the differential and integral calculus.”

“Look, you’re an integral part of the group, so it would be a major loss for us if you left.”

“Marissa was especially interested in the courses in integral equations and differential equations.’

“Something that is considered an integral part of something is ultimately an essential part of that thing.”

“We learned that the fundamental theorem of calculus relates definite integrals with differentiation in class today.”

“You’re going to need to make adjustments in the integral functions if you want to do this.”

“Despite being an integral member of the New York book club, I decided it was time to leave.”

“Though she was only one person, Sarah was an integrap part of the resistance movement.”

“Protein and healthy fats are intregal to a well-balanced diet.”

“Bob is an integral team member due to his many years of experience in customer service.”

“Seeing as I am integral to our team hitting the monthly quota, I think it’s only fair that I get a raise.”

What Are Translations of Integral?

Want to learn how to say our word of the day in a different language? We’ve got you covered!

Translations of integral, which have been provided by the Cambridge American English Dictionary, include:

  • American English — integral 
  • Italian — integrante 
  • Afrikaans — Integrale
  • Polish — całka
  • Russian — интеграл
  • Japanese — 絶対必要な
  • Korean — 필수의
  • Arabic — متكاملة
  • European Portuguese — integral 
  • Spanish — integrante 
  • Ukrainian — Інтеграл
  • Thai — ที่จำเป็น
  • Greek — ακέραιος
  • Vietnamese — tích phân
  • British English — integral
  • Brazilian Portuguese — integral 
  • Chinese — 构成整体所必需的
  • European Spanish — integrante 
  • French — intégrant 
  • German — wesentlich

Conclusion

So, what does our word of the day mean, you ask?

Simply put, integral means necessary to completeness. Something that is integral is very important. In other words, if you’re an integral part of the team, it means that the team can’t function properly without you. 

When used in mathematics, however, the term integral has a slightly different meaning as it refers to a function or number that gives the area under a curve on a graph between two points. 

Want to discover the meaning behind more complex words like integral? Check out our website today!

Sources:

INTEGRAL: definition | Cambridge English Dictionary 

Integral definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary 

Integral Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com