1
Core quality
Essential to the completeness, functioning, or identity of a whole.
Example
Public consultation is integral to the planning process.
integral
/ˈɪntɪɡrəl/ · IN-tih-gruladjective
Essential to the completeness, functioning, or identity of a whole.
Use integral to express this relationship precisely: essential to the completeness, functioning, or identity of a whole.
What integral Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
The courtyard is integral to the building's design.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
Trust became an integral part of the partnership.
Use integral Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Public consultation is integral to the planning process.
The courtyard is integral to the building's design.
Trust became an integral part of the partnership.
Precision Matters
Integral overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
integral
vs.Means essential to the completeness, functioning, or identity of a whole.
peripheral
Means situated at the edge or secondary to the main issue.
integral
vs.Means essential to the completeness, functioning, or identity of a whole.
extraneous
Means irrelevant, unnecessary, or coming from outside the matter being considered.
integral
vs.Means essential to the completeness, functioning, or identity of a whole.
lacking
Means missing, absent, or insufficient in a quality, resource, or feature that is needed or expected.
integral
vs.Means essential to the completeness, functioning, or identity of a whole.
intrinsic
Means belonging naturally to the essential character of something rather than arising from external circumstances.
Test integral in Context
Pollinators are an essential part of the reproductive process.
1
Because pollinators are ___ to the plant's reproduction, their decline threatens future seed production.