Main Entry: in·clude

Pronunciation: \in-ˈklüd\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): in·clud·ed; in·clud·ing

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin includere, from in- + claudere to close — more at close

Date: 15th century

1 : to shut up : enclose
2 : to take in or comprise as a part of a whole or group
3 : to contain between or within <two sides and the included angle>

— in·clud·able or in·clud·ible \-ˈklü-də-bəl\ adjective

synonyms include, comprehend, embrace, involve mean to contain within as part of the whole. include suggests the containment of something as a constituent, component, or subordinate part of a larger whole <the price of dinner includes dessert>. comprehend implies that something comes within the scope of a statement or definition <his system comprehends all history>. embrace implies a gathering of separate items within a whole <her faith embraces both Christian and non-Christian beliefs>. involve suggests inclusion by virtue of the nature of the whole, whether by being its natural or inevitable consequence <the new job involves a lot of detail>.