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Glite Dictionary
built-in

built-in

59 3.9
A feature that is part of something from the start, not added later
  • adjective
  • /ˈbɪltˌɪn/
translation icon : incorporado
  • The sofa and the chairs had built-in padding and could sit almost anywhere.
  • a built-in feature
  • a built-in function
  • a built-in system

All right, The built in bra pads to a swimsuit.

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Examples

  • The availability of built-in microphones on many devices has made audio production easy.

    Academic text (2015)

  • This is a Lightning cable with a built in portable charger.

  • Disposal costs are already built in to nuclear power.

  • Next up, it has a built in four second UPS.

  • Basically, you have a built in reward system in your brain.

  • Right to your classroom with a built in alarm clock too.

  • This sound card has built in RGB lighting.

  • Along the fourth wall ran a built-in desk that held various pieces of computer equipment.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • It's like a built-in air conditioning system.

    Unidentified Flying Oddball (1979)

  • The new smartphone has a built-in camera that takes stunning photos.

Synonyms

inherent
vsbuilt-in
144 5.1

A natural part of something that is always there

is often a designed inclusion rather than a natural quality
integral
vsbuilt-in
73 5.3

Necessary and very important as part of a whole

focuses on being a permanent included feature rather than just importance
onboard
vsbuilt-in
  • Specialized
8 4.1

Part of a device or system rather than separate

applies more widely to any permanent inclusion, not only devices
inbuilt
vsbuilt-in
  • UK
2 4.2

A natural part of someone or something from the start

is the same idea but often appears in other forms
embedded
vsbuilt-in
4.4

Held firmly inside something or made a normal part of a group

is the general idea of inclusion, not only deep physical fixation
incorporated
vsbuilt-in
4.0

Made part of something larger, like a plan or report

is formed originally as a permanent part rather than added later

Antonyms

optional
99 3.3

Not required, so you can choose whether to have or use it

removable
20 3.3

Something you can take off or move to another place

How Integrated

integral
73 5.3
built-in
59 3.9
add-on
22 3.9
separate
829 2.1

Surface Forms

built-in positive

Morphology

built-in = build (transparent) = in + built

The adjective clearly means 'built into' something, so learners who know 'build' and 'in' can usually infer the sense. [Postprocessing: moved 'in' from base_words to prefix]

Etymology

Built-in comes from putting build ('make') together with in ('inside'). This gives a clear image: something 'made inside' the object, not added later, which is why a built-in feature is a permanent part of the thing.