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Is there a word with a meaning in between 'desegregate' and 'integrate'?

English Language & Usage Asked by Nigel J on November 5, 2020

Merriam Webster – Desegregate :

to free of any law, provision, or practice requiring isolation of the members of a particular race in separate units.

Merriam Webster – Integrate :

to form, coordinate, or blend into a functioning or unified whole : unite.

I am interested to find out a word which fits between the above two, and could be used in the following sentence :

Although not segregated, they did not dwell together in unity preferring to be _____________ .


This relates to matters of culture, race, ethnic origin, social choices and so on but the best way I can illustrate the concept (and the best way to avoid wandering into controversial issues) is to illustrate the idea with next door’s cat.

Next door’s cat comes in through my open patio door, nibbles at food which I leave out in the conservatory, sniffs around the kitchen ; then wanders into my bedroom and sleeps for a couple of hours between the suitcases under my bed. Then wanders out again, later.

Doesn’t look at me. Doesn’t hop up in my lap for a stroke. Very occasionally lets me tickle under his chin.

He has chosen not to integrate with my own occupation of my dwelling. But he does not wish to be segregated.

How should I describe the way in which Pudsey the cat wishes to relate to me ?

One Answer

How about unintegrated? From Cambridge:

integrate: to mix with and join society or a group of people, often changing to suit their way of life, habits, and customs

Based on this, integrated implies mixing with and joining society or a group of people, often changing to suit their way of life, habits, and customs. By the same token, unintegrated implies not mixing with and joining society or a group of people, often changing to suit their way of life, habits, and customs.

Your example:

Although not segregated, they did not dwell together in unity preferring to be (remain) unintegrated.

One could be against segregation -- that is, one could be for desegregation -- without being in favor of or engaging in integration. Thus speaks Pudsey.

Correct answer by Richard Kayser on November 5, 2020

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