Embed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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embed

[ɪmˈbɛd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

online content

To embed something means to place it within another object or structure. In the context of online content, embedding refers to incorporating media such as images, videos, or social media posts into a webpage or post.

Synonyms

incorporate, insert, integrate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
embed

Use when discussing placing something firmly and deeply into a surrounding mass, often in a physical or digital sense.

  • The journalist was embedded with the troops during the conflict
  • You can embed the video in your website
incorporate

Best used when talking about including something as part of a larger whole, usually involving planning and organization.

  • We need to incorporate more diverse perspectives into our project
  • The recipe incorporates various herbs and spices
insert

Used when you are placing something into something else, often in a more specific or physical manner.

  • Please insert your card into the machine
  • He inserted a few comments into the meeting minutes
integrate

Appropriate for describing the process of combining parts to make a unified whole, often in social or technical contexts.

  • The new software must integrate with our existing systems
  • We aim to integrate international students into our community

Examples of usage

  • Please embed the video in the blog post.
  • The tweet was embedded in the news article.
  • The slideshow was embedded on the website.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • In web design, you can embed videos and images so they play right on your page without needing separate links.
  • Embedded systems, like the ones in washing machines, are specialized computers that control specific functions of the device.
  • Social media platforms allow you to embed content from their sites on other pages, helping to share moments from different apps.

Art

  • Artists sometimes embed materials like glass or metal into their works to add texture and depth to their creations.
  • In poetry, the concept of embedding emotions or messages within stanzas helps convey deeper meanings.
  • Historically, some artists embedded personal letters or memorabilia into their works to reflect their life stories.

Psychology

  • Memories can be embedded in our minds through experiences and repetition, creating lasting impressions.
  • The concept of embedding information in educational contexts helps improve learning retention and understanding.
  • Certain emotions can become embedded in our reactions, influencing how we respond to similar situations in the future.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, embedding traditions in ceremonies is vital to preserving heritage and values.
  • Some stories and histories are embedded in folklore, which teaches lessons and cultural norms to future generations.
  • Modern digital culture often sees memes and references embedded in media, symbolizing shared experiences among communities.

Origin of 'embed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'embed' comes from the Old English 'beddian', meaning 'to lay in a bed', showing a sense of putting something down carefully.
  • The prefix 'em-' means 'to cause to be' or 'to put in', highlighting the action of placing something within.
  • 'Embed' has been around since the late 14th century, but its modern usage in technology grew in the 20th century.

The word 'embed' originated from the Middle English word 'embetten,' which means to make better or improve. Over time, it evolved to mean to fix firmly in a surrounding mass, eventually leading to its current usage in the context of online content.


See also: embeddable, embedded.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,521, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.