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assimilation

uh-sim-uh-LAY-shuhn /əˌsɪm.ɪˈleɪ.ʃən/

nounC1GRETOEFLIELTSUPSC

academicformal

The process of absorbing and integrating incoming people, ideas, or culture into a wider society.

Implies a merging process where newcomers adapt to the dominant cultural norms of their destination.

The story behind the word. From Latin 'assimilare', formed from 'ad-' (towards) and 'similis' (like). Literally, it means 'making something similar to something else'.

Word relationships

integration: Integration emphasizes peaceful co-existence with retained identity, while assimilation often suggests absorbing into the dominant culture.

segregation: Segregation involves keeping cultural or social groups strictly separated.

Commonly confused with

acclimation: Acclimation refers to adapting to a physical climate or environment, whereas assimilation refers to adopting social and cultural norms.

Word family

assimilate (verb): To absorb into a wider society or system.

Collocations

cultural assimilation
rapid assimilation
social assimilation

Example sentences

"Cultural assimilation was accelerated as migrant children attended local public schools and mastered the national language." Sociology discussion on urban integration

Memory hook

Making newcomer culture SIMILAR to the SIMIL-ar majority: a-SIMIL-ation. Blending in.

When not to use

Do not use to describe physical segregation or forced isolation.

Fun facts

In biology, assimilation refers to cells digesting nutrients and converting them into organic tissue, mirroring how societies absorb people.

Related words

influx, displacement

Explore more words

assimilate, integrate, acculturation, homogenization, diffusion, internalization