blend in
Verb (intransitive):
- To mix or combine harmoniously with the surrounding environment, group, or situation, becoming inconspicuous or appearing to belong.
- To be compatible or in harmony with something else.
Verb (transitive):
- To cause something to mix or combine imperceptibly with its surroundings or context.
- Intransitive: Used when the subject itself becomes part of a larger whole without standing out.
- Transitive: Used when the subject causes something else to mix in. Often takes a direct object (what is blended) and can be followed by 'with' (what it is blended into).
Intransitive use:
- The chameleon can blend in with the leaves to hide from predators.
- When I moved to a new country, it took time to blend in and feel comfortable.
- The new building's design blends in perfectly with the historic architecture on the street.
Transitive use:
- Gently blend in the flour until just combined. (Here, 'the flour' is the direct object being blended into the mixture.)
- The decorator skillfully blended the modern furniture in with the classic style of the room.
"to blend into the background": To become so inconspicuous as to be unnoticed.
- At large parties, he prefers to blend into the background and observe.
"to blend in seamlessly": To integrate so perfectly that the transition or difference is invisible.
- The software update blended in seamlessly with the existing system.
Blend (verb/noun): The general act of mixing or the resulting mixture.
- Blend the ingredients smoothly. (verb)
- This coffee is a rich blend of beans. (noun)
Blender (noun): An electric kitchen appliance used to blend foods.
- Integrate: To combine into a whole.
- Assimilate: To absorb and integrate into a wider group or culture.
- Merge: To combine or cause to combine.
- Harmonize: To bring into consonance or accord.
Fit in: To be socially compatible with a group. (Often more focused on social acceptance than physical mixing.)
- She found it hard to fit in at her new school.
Mix in: To combine one substance with others. (Often more literal and less about subtlety than 'blend in'.)
- After melting the butter, mix in the sugar.
Go with the flow: To conform to the prevailing circumstances or opinions, similar to the social aspect of blending in.
- Don't worry about the plan changes; just go with the flow.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do: A proverb advising one to adapt to the customs of the place one is in, which is the principle behind trying to blend in culturally.
- cause (something) to be mixed with (something else)
- At this stage of making the cake, blend in the nuts
- blend or harmonize
- This flavor will blend with those in your dish
- This sofa won't go with the chairs