embeds

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   Puts something firmly inside something else, so that it becomes part of it.

   Grammar: Takes an object: embed a stone in concrete. The third-person singular form is embeds.

   Patterns

   • embed something in something
   • embed something into something
   • be embedded in something

   The jeweler embeds a small diamond in each ring.

   A piece of glass was embedded in the bottom of his foot.

   Workers embed the pipes in concrete before the floor is poured.

2. 2verbtransitivecomputing

   Puts a video, image, or other file inside a web page or post so it plays or shows there.

   Grammar: Takes an object; common in computing. The thing you put in is the object: embed a video.

   Patterns

   • embed a video in something
   • embed a link into something
   • be embedded on a page

   She embeds a short video in every blog post.

   You can embed the map directly into your article.

   The song is embedded on the band's homepage.

3. 3verbtransitivefigurative

   Fixes an idea, feeling, or custom so deeply that it becomes a lasting part of something.

   Grammar: Often used in the passive with in: the habit is embedded in the culture.

   Patterns

   • embed something in something
   • be embedded in something
   • deeply embedded

   Years of training embedded the rules in his mind.

   These values are deeply embedded in the local culture.

   The teacher embeds good study habits in her students early.

4. 4nouncountablecomputing

   A piece of code or a file placed inside a web page so its content appears there.

   Grammar: Countable; the plural is also embeds. Common in web and media talk.

   Patterns

   • an embed on a page
   • add an embed
   • a video embed

   The page was slow because it had too many embeds.

   She added an embed so readers could watch the clip without leaving.

   Old embeds sometimes stop working when a site changes.

Word forms

Common combinations

embed a video

He embedded a video to explain the experiment.

deeply embedded

The custom is deeply embedded in the region.

embed something in concrete

They embedded the posts in concrete.

embed a link

Please embed a link to the original report.

be embedded in

Tiny sensors are embedded in the fabric.

Synonyms and how they differ

insert

Insert means to put one thing into another, often quickly or in a slot; embed suggests it is fixed there and hard to remove.

fix

Fix means to make something stay in place; embed is more specific and usually means it sits inside a surrounding material.

implant

Implant is used mostly for medical or technical placing inside a body or system; embed is broader and common in computing.

Opposites

Word family

embedding noun

The act of placing something inside, or the thing placed inside.

embedded adjective

Fixed firmly inside something, as in an embedded chip.

Commonly confused: embeds or imbed? embeds or embody?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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