embed

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   To set something firmly and deeply into a surrounding material so that it stays in place.

   Grammar: Takes an object, often with in or into: embed the post in concrete.

   Patterns

   • embed something in something
   • embed something into something

   The workers embedded steel bars in the wet concrete.

   A shard of glass was embedded in the tire.

   He embedded the sensor deep into the wall.

2. 2verbtransitivefigurative

   To make an idea, habit or feature a fixed and lasting part of a larger system or group.

   Grammar: Often passive: the habit became embedded in the culture.

   Patterns

   • embed something in something
   • be embedded in something

   The school tries to embed good study habits from the first year.

   Respect for privacy is embedded in the company's rules.

3. 3verbtransitivecomputing

   To place a piece of media or code, such as a video or link, inside a web page or document.

   Grammar: Takes an object: embed a video on your site.

   Patterns

   • embed something in something
   • embed something on something

   She embedded a short video in her blog post.

   You can embed the map on any page of your site.

4. 4verbtransitivemilitary

   To attach a journalist to a military unit so that the reporter travels with it and reports from within.

   Grammar: Usually passive: the reporter was embedded with the unit.

   Patterns

   • embed someone with someone

   The newspaper embedded a reporter with the infantry battalion.

   Several photographers were embedded with the troops for months.

Word forms

Common combinations

deeply embedded

These beliefs are deeply embedded in local tradition.

embed a video

You can embed a video with one line of code.

embed in concrete

The posts were embedded in concrete for stability.

embedded reporter

The embedded reporter described life at the base.

Synonyms and how they differ

implant

Implant suggests inserting something into a body or mind, while embed is wider and covers walls, code and ideas.

fix

Fix just means to attach firmly, and does not imply the object sits deep inside the material.

instill

Instill is used only for ideas or feelings put gradually into someone, not for physical objects.

Opposites

Word family

embedded adjective

fixed firmly within something else

embedding noun

the act of embedding, or something embedded

embedment noun

the state of being set into a surrounding material

Commonly confused: embed or imbed?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “embed”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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