Integration

noun (countable and uncountable)

/ˌɪn.tɪˈɡreɪ.ʃən/

The process of combining separate political units into a single unified whole, particularly the consolidation of princely states and provinces into the Indian Union after 1947.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

True nation-building demands not merely the territorial unification of states but the social and emotional integration of diverse linguistic, religious and regional identities into a shared civic fabric, so that pluralism becomes a source of strength rather than a fault line.

Synonyms

unificationamalgamationassimilationconsolidationincorporationfusion

Antonyms

segregationdisintegrationseparationfragmentation

🌱 Word Family

integrate (v), integrated (adj), integral (adj/n), disintegrate (v), reintegrate (v), integrative (adj)

🔡 Root

Latin integrātiō = renewal; integrāre = to make whole; integer = whole; in- + tangere = to touch

📜 Etymology

From Latin integrātiō ("renewal, restoration"), from the verb integrāre ("to make whole"), from integer ("whole, untouched"), combining in- (negation) and the root of tangere ("to touch").

🧠 Memory Hook

Think INTEGER (a whole number): integration makes scattered parts whole and complete -- "integer" + "-ation" = making one whole.

📝 Seen in UPSC Question Papers

Mains 2021 · GS1 · 10 marks — Modern History
Mains 2015 · GS1 · 12.5 marks — Indian Society

Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Integration” — proof this word earns its place on your list.

🏛️ History & Culture 📖 Seen in: Integration of Princely States & State...

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