Combine vs. Integrate — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 11, 2024
Combine emphasizes putting things together to form a whole or mixture, while integrate involves incorporating parts into a whole, ensuring they work together seamlessly.
Difference Between Combine and Integrate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Combining often involves bringing together various elements without the necessity of these elements working in harmony; it's about aggregation. Whereas integration is about unity and making sure the combined parts function as a whole.
When you combine ingredients in a recipe, you're simply mixing them. On the other hand, integrating technology systems means making them operate together smoothly.
Combine can refer to the process of merging ideas without them losing their individuality. In contrast, integrate implies that the ideas not only come together but also work in unison towards a common purpose.
Combining resources can lead to increased volume or quantity, emphasizing the additive aspect. Integration focuses on enhancing quality or functionality through coordination and interconnectivity.
In social contexts, combining groups of people might not address underlying differences. Integration, however, aims at creating a cohesive community where diverse individuals or groups coexist and contribute equally.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Aggregation of elements
Incorporation into a unified system
Outcome
Mixture or collection without seamless operation
Harmonious operation as a cohesive whole
Application
Recipes, simple mixing of components
Technology systems, organizational structures
Goal
Increase in volume or quantity
Enhancement of quality or functionality
Social Context
Merging groups without addressing differences
Creating cohesive communities with equal contribution
Compare with Definitions
Combine
To bring together to form a single whole or mixture.
You can combine flour and sugar to start the cake batter.
Integrate
To make parts of something work together seamlessly.
The software integrates all your media files into one library.
Combine
To join for a common purpose.
They combined their efforts to raise funds for the school.
Integrate
To absorb into a system or organization.
The company integrates new employees through a comprehensive orientation.
Combine
To merge two or more entities into one.
The companies decided to combine resources to tackle the market more effectively.
Integrate
To combine parts into a whole, especially by bringing into equal participation.
The new policy aims to integrate renewable energy sources into the national grid.
Combine
To use together; employ jointly.
Combine strength and intelligence to solve this puzzle.
Integrate
To harmonize with an existing system or situation.
The architect designed the extension to integrate smoothly with the original building.
Combine
To blend or mix together.
Combine the ingredients thoroughly for the sauce.
Integrate
To unify segregated groups or individuals.
The program is designed to integrate children from different backgrounds into the school system.
Combine
To bring into a state of unity; make united
Combined the ingredients in a bowl.
Combined the eggs and flour.
Integrate
Combine (one thing) with another to form a whole
A fully equipped laboratory is being integrated into the development
Transport planning should be integrated with energy policy
Combine
To join (two or more substances) to make a single substance, such as a chemical compound; mix.
Integrate
Bring (people or groups with particular characteristics or needs) into equal participation in or membership of a social group or institution
Integrating children with special needs into ordinary schools
Combine
To have, exhibit, or involve in combination
The choreography combines artistry and athletics.
Integrate
Find the integral of
The velocity profile can be obtained by integrating this equation
Combine
(kŏmbīn′) To harvest (a grain crop) using a cutting, threshing, and cleaning machine.
Integrate
To make into a whole by bringing all parts together; unify
A report that integrates the findings of previous studies.
Combine
To become united
Factors that combined to produce a storm.
Integrate
To join with something else; unite
A music program that was integrated with the general curriculum.
Combine
To join together for a common purpose.
Integrate
To make part of a larger unit
Integrated the new procedures into the work routine.
Combine
(Chemistry) To form a compound.
Integrate
To open (an institution, for example) to people of all races or ethnic groups without restriction; desegregate.
Combine
(kŏmbīn′) To harvest a grain crop using a cutting, threshing, and cleaning machine.
Integrate
To admit (a racial or ethnic group) to equal membership in an institution or society.
Combine
A power-operated harvesting machine that cuts, threshes, and cleans grain.
Integrate
To calculate the integral of.
Combine
An association of people or groups united for the furtherance of political or commercial interests.
Integrate
To perform integration on.
Combine
A combination.
Integrate
(Psychology) To bring about the integration of (personality traits).
Combine
(transitive) To bring (two or more things or activities) together; to unite.
Combine the milk and the hot water in a large bowl.
I'm combining business and pleasure on this trip.
Integrate
To become integrated or undergo integration.
Combine
(transitive) To have two or more things or properties that function together.
Joe combines the intelligence of a rock with the honesty of a politician.
Integrate
To form into one whole; to make entire; to complete; to renew; to restore; to perfect.
Combine
(intransitive) To come together; to unite.
Two substances that easily combine
Integrate
To include as a constituent part or functionality.
They were keen to integrate their new skills into the performance.
Combine
(card games) In the game of casino, to play a card which will take two or more cards whose aggregate number of pips equals those of the card played.
Integrate
To indicate the whole of; to give the sum or total of; as, an integrating anemometer, one that indicates or registers the entire action of the wind in a given time.
Combine
(obsolete) To bind; to hold by a moral tie.
Integrate
(mathematics) To subject to the operation of integration; to find the integral of an equation.
Combine
A combine harvester
We can't finish harvesting because our combine is stuck in the mud.
Integrate
To desegregate, as a school or neighborhood.
The refugees were well integrated into the community.
Combine
A combination
Integrate
(genetics) To combine compatible elements in order to incorporate them.
Combine
Especially, a joint enterprise of whatever legal form for a purpose of business or in any way promoting the interests of the participants, sometimes with monopolistic or fraudulent intentions.
The telecom companies were accused of having formed an illegal combine in order to hike up the network charges.
Integrate
To form into one whole; to make entire; to complete; to renew; to restore; to perfect.
Two distinct substances, the soul and body, go to compound and integrate the man.
Combine
An industrial conglomeration in a socialist country, particularly in the former Soviet bloc.
Integrate
To indicate the whole of; to give the sum or total of; as, an integrating anemometer, one that indicates or registers the entire action of the wind in a given time.
Combine
(art) An artwork falling between painting and sculpture, having objects embedded into a painted surface.
Integrate
To subject to the operation of integration; to find the integral of.
Combine
(American football) A Test match in which applicants play in the hope of earning a position on a professional football team.
Integrate
Make into a whole or make part of a whole;
She incorporated his suggestions into her proposal
Combine
To unite or join; to link closely together; to bring into harmonious union; to cause or unite so as to form a homogeneous substance, as by chemical union.
So fitly them in pairs thou hast combined.
Friendship is the cement which really combines mankind.
And all combined, save what thou must combineBy holy marriage.
Earthly sounds, though sweet and well combined.
Integrate
Open (a place) to members of all races and ethnic groups;
This school is completely desegregated
Combine
To bind; to hold by a moral tie.
I am combined by a sacred vow.
Integrate
Become one; become integrated;
The students at this school integrate immediately, despite their different backgrounds
Combine
To form a union; to agree; to coalesce; to confederate.
You with your foes combine,And seem your own destruction to design
So sweet did harp and voice combine.
Integrate
Calculate the integral of; calculate by integration
Combine
To unite by affinity or natural attraction; as, two substances, which will not combine of themselves, may be made to combine by the intervention of a third.
Combine
In the game of casino, to play a card which will take two or more cards whose aggregate number of pips equals those of the card played.
Combine
Harvester that heads and threshes and cleans grain while moving across the field
Combine
A consortium of independent organizations formed to limit competition by controlling the production and distribution of a product or service;
They set up the trust in the hope of gaining a monopoly
Combine
An occurrence that results in things being united
Combine
Put or add together;
Combine resources
Combine
Have or possess in combination;
She unites charm with a good business sense
Combine
Combine so as to form a whole; mix;
Compound the ingredients
Combine
Add together from different sources;
Combine resources
Combine
Join for a common purpose or in a common action;
These forces combined with others
Combine
Gather in a mass, sum, or whole
Combine
Mix together different elements;
The colors blend well
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to combine elements?
Combining elements means to put them together to form a mixture or collection, without necessarily ensuring they function cohesively.
How does integration differ from combining in technology?
Integration in technology means making different systems work together seamlessly, unlike merely combining them without ensuring interoperability.
Why is integration important in social contexts?
Integration is crucial for creating inclusive communities where diverse individuals or groups can coexist and contribute equally, overcoming mere physical or superficial combining.
What is the significance of integrating systems in technology?
Integrating systems ensures that different technology components operate together smoothly, enhancing overall functionality and user experience.
Is combining always visible or tangible?
Combining can be both tangible, like mixing ingredients, and intangible, like combining efforts or ideas.
What role does integration play in education?
Integration in education involves incorporating diverse learning resources and methodologies to create a cohesive and inclusive learning environment.
How do combine and integrate relate to teamwork?
Combining team members brings them together, while integrating their skills and efforts ensures the team works together efficiently towards common goals.
Can combining lead to integration?
Combining can be a preliminary step towards integration, especially when followed by efforts to ensure the elements work together seamlessly.
Can you integrate without combining?
Integrating often involves combining, but with the additional step of ensuring that the combined elements work together as a whole.
In what ways can combining and integrating be applied in environmental conservation?
Combining resources can increase conservation efforts, while integrating strategies ensures that different conservation measures work together effectively.
How do combine and integrate apply in business?
In business, combining resources or companies can increase scale, while integration focuses on making different departments or businesses work together efficiently.
How does combining ingredients in cooking compare to integrating systems in technology?
Combining ingredients involves mixing them together, whereas integrating systems in technology requires making them function as a cohesive unit.
What challenges might arise when trying to integrate rather than just combine?
Integration challenges include ensuring compatibility, maintaining harmony among components, and overcoming potential resistance to change.
Why might someone choose to integrate rather than simply combine?
Someone might choose to integrate to ensure that the combined elements or systems not only coexist but also enhance overall functionality and achieve synergy.
How does integration support diversity and inclusion?
Integration fosters an environment where diverse individuals and groups are not only brought together but are also made an equitable part of the whole.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
