Imbedded vs Embedded | Difference & Spelling

Imbedded is an alternative spelling of embedded. The two words can be used interchangeably, but embedded is much more common and is the recommended spelling in many style guides.

• If something is embedded/imbedded in a material, it is fixed deeply and tightly in that material.
• Embedded/imbedded is often used figuratively to express that something is a strong and important part of a larger whole.

Embedded or imbedded

Embedded and imbedded are alternative spellings of the same word, but “embedded” is the best choice, particularly in formal writing such as academic writing. This is because “embedded” is much more common in modern English and is the recommended spelling in many style guides.

Embedded/imbedded can function as an adjective or the simple past tense form and past participle of the verb “embed”/”imbed.”

As an adjective “embedded/imbedded” describes something that is firmly fixed within something else, often in a figurative sense to express that it is an integral part of a larger whole. It can also describe someone who is accompanying a military unit for a non-military purpose (e.g., a journalist or independent monitor), and it is commonly used as part of compound nouns in computing and technology terminology (e.g., an embedded video).

Imbed vs embed

Imbed is an alternative spelling of the word embed. The two spellings can be used interchangeably, but many style guides recommend “embed” because it is used much more frequently in modern English.

The verb embed/imbed is commonly used with the prepositions “in” or “within” to convey that something is an essential part of something else or securely fixed in something else.

Frequently asked questions about imbedded vs embedded

What does embedded mean?

Embedded is the simple past tense form and past participle of the verb “embed,” which means to fix firmly in a material or to make something an important part of a larger whole.

The sword had been magically embedded in the stone.

The company embedded this principle in its corporate culture.

Embedded is also an adjective used to describe something that is firmly fixed or established in something else.

The diamond is embedded in gold.

Social media has become embedded in modern life.

You can spell this word imbedded or embedded, but “embedded” is much more common.

Use QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker to help you use the word “embedded” correctly in your writing.

What is a synonym for embedded?

Synonyms for embedded include:

• Encased
• Enclosed
• Rooted
• Entrenched
• Ingrained

“Imbedded” is not a synonym for “embedded” because imbedded and embedded are alternative spellings of the same word. “Embedded” has become the more standard spelling in modern English.

Why not use QuillBot’s free Paraphraser to help you find the best synonym for “embedded” in your specific context?

What does embed mean?

Embed is a verb that means to set or fix firmly in a material or to make something an integral, established part of something else.

The jeweler will embed the stone in a gold ring.

The aim is to embed innovation within the company’s culture.

You can spell this word “imbed” or “embed” (or imbedded or embedded in their simple past tense and past participle forms), however “embed” is a much more common spelling.

Use QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker to help you use the word “embed” naturally in your writing.

How do you spell embedded?

You can spell embedded with an “e” or an “i” (i.e., imbedded or embedded), but “embedded” is more common in modern English and recommended in many style guides. It is therefore best to spell it “embedded” in formal writing (e.g., academic writing).

QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker can help ensure you’re spelling “embedded/imbedded” correctly in your writing.