assimilate
uh-SIM-uh-layt
/əˈsɪm.ɪ.leɪt/
To absorb and integrate modern cultural, religious, or conceptual knowledge into an existing structure or dominant group.
Often carries a connotation of one smaller entity being absorbed into a larger, dominant mainstream entity.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'assimilare', meaning 'to make similar'. The root 'similis' is the source of English words like 'similar' and 'simile'. In the nineteenth century, sociologists adopted the word to describe how minority cultural groups adapt to dominant populations.
Word relationships
- absorb: Absorb focuses on taking something in; assimilate emphasizes digesting and converting it into part of the self.
- integrate: Integrate allows minority elements to retain distinct identities within a larger whole, whereas assimilate often implies blending in completely.
- alienate: Alienate causes individuals or ideas to feel isolated and unintegrated.
- reject: Reject means to refuse to absorb or accept outside influences.
Commonly confused with
- dissimulate: Dissimulate means to hide or disguise feelings; assimilate means to absorb and adapt.
Word family
- assimilation (noun): The process of absorbing and integrating culture or ideas.
- assimilative (adjective): Tending to cause or undergo assimilation.
Collocations
- assimilate into
- assimilate culture
- assimilate knowledge
Example sentences
- "Immigrants were encouraged to assimilate into the broader cultural landscape while preserving private family customs." Sociological research on immigrant communities.
- "Students must assimilate new theological concepts into their existing framework of world history." Educational psychology context.
Memory hook
SIMILAR: To ASSIMILATE is to make something SIMILAR to the surrounding whole. Make SIMILAR by absorbing.
When not to use
Do not use if two entities blend equally as peers without one absorbing the other.
Fun facts
- In cognitive science, Jean Piaget used 'assimilation' to describe how children fit new experiences into existing mental schemas.
Related words
Explore more words
assimilation, homogenization, internalize, conform, proselytize, socialize
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