assimilation
uh-sim-ih-LAY-shun
/əˌsɪmɪˈleɪʃən/
The process of taking in and fully understanding information or ideas; the process of becoming similar to something.
In sociology, it refers to a minority group adopting the customs of a prevailing culture.
The story behind the word. From 'ad-' (to) and 'similis' (like). It literally means 'to make like.' It was first used in biology to describe how the body turns food into its own tissue before being used by sociologists.
Word relationships
- integration: Integration implies keeping one's identity while joining; assimilation implies losing the original identity to match the majority.
- absorption: Absorption is more passive; assimilation can be a conscious social process.
- segregation: Segregation is the forced separation of groups, the opposite of blending.
Commonly confused with
- accommodation: Accommodation is making room for differences; assimilation is removing differences.
Word family
- assimilate (verb): To absorb or become like something else.
Collocations
- cultural assimilation
- rapid assimilation
- process of assimilation
Idioms & expressions
- melting pot
Example sentences
- "The assimilation of new immigrants into the local culture can take several generations." A discussion on immigration.
- "The assimilation of nutrients into the bloodstream is vital for health." Biological or physiological context.
Memory hook
Assimilation makes things 'similar'. Assimilation = All Similar.
When not to use
Avoid using it for simple learning; it implies a deep, transformative integration.
Fun facts
- In the Star Trek universe, the Borg use the catchphrase 'Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.'
- The term was famously used by Jean Piaget to describe how children incorporate new experiences into existing mental schemas.
Related words
Explore more words
assimilate, integrate, acculturation, homogenization, diffusion, internalization
Also appears in
- Travel & Culture → Cultural Diversity & Customs
- Travel & Culture → Cultural Globalization
- Demographics & Urban Studies → Rural-to-Urban Migration
- Demographics & Urban Studies → Indigenous Populations
- Psychology → Child & Adolescent Development
- Sociology & Social Anthropology → Tribal Communities & Integration
- Sociology & Social Anthropology → Cultural Assimilation & Pluralism
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