assimilate
uh-SIM-uh-layt
/əˈsɪm.ɪ.leɪt/
To absorb and integrate people, ideas, or language into a wider culture or dominant system.
Implies a deep blending process, sometimes involving the loss of original distinct markers.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'ad-' (to) + 'similis' (similar). Originally used in biology and medicine to describe how the body absorbs food and converts it into living tissue, later extended to cultural synthesis.
Word relationships
- integrate: 'Integrate' implies uniting diverse parts while often preserving distinct identities.
- segregate: To isolate or set apart from the group.
Commonly confused with
- acclimate: Acclimate means adjusting to a new environment or climate; assimilate means taking in and becoming part of the system.
Word family
- assimilation (noun): The process of absorbing or becoming similar to something.
- assimilative (adjective): Tending to absorb or incorporate.
Collocations
- assimilate into culture
- assimilate information
- fully assimilate
- assimilate seamlessly
Example sentences
- "New immigrants were encouraged to assimilate into the broader community by learning English rapidly." Social History
- "Students quickly assimilate new vocabulary when words are embedded in meaningful contexts." Educational Theory
Memory hook
Assimilate makes you Similar to the surrounding group. Assimilate = make similar, absorb into whole.
When not to use
Avoid using to describe brief, temporary situational adjustments like code-switching.
Fun facts
- In phonetics, assimilation occurs when a sound changes to resemble a neighboring sound, like 'in-' becoming 'im-' before 'p' in 'impossible'.
Related words
Explore more words
assimilation, homogenization, internalize, conform, proselytize, socialize
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