amalgamation
uh-mal-guh-MAY-shun
/əˌmæl.ɡəˈmeɪ.ʃən/
The action, process, or result of combining or uniting multiple entities into one single body.
In sociology, it often refers specifically to 'biological' blending through intermarriage, creating a new, mixed population.
The story behind the word. The word originally comes from alchemy. An 'amalgam' was a mixture of mercury with another metal. Just as mercury dissolves other metals to create a new alloy, social amalgamation 'dissolves' old boundaries to create a new people.
Word relationships
- merger: Merger is usually used for organizations; amalgamation is more common for populations or abstract concepts.
- fusion: Fusion suggests a high-energy or creative blending; amalgamation is more formal and structural.
- separation: The act of keeping things apart.
- dissolution: The breaking up of an assembly or partnership.
Commonly confused with
- assimilation: Assimilation is one group joining another; amalgamation is two groups joining to become a third, new entity.
Word family
- amalgamate (verb): To combine or unite to form one organization or structure.
- amalgam (noun): A mixture or blend.
Collocations
- process of amalgamation
- cultural amalgamation
- amalgamation of interests
- complete amalgamation
Example sentences
- "The amalgamation of various tribes into a single national identity was a primary goal of the post-colonial government." Describing the formation of a new ethnic identity.
- "Amalgamation is the process by which a majority and a minority group combine to form a new group." Discussing the 'Melting Pot'.
Memory hook
Think of 'A-Mal-Game'. If you have a 'mal' (bad) game, you might want to 'amalgamate' your team with another to get better. Combine into one.
When not to use
In business, it's used for company mergers. In sociology, don't use it for simple cooperation; it implies a permanent union.
Fun facts
- Dentists use 'amalgams'—mixtures of metals—to fill cavities, which is the most common non-sociological use of the word today.
Related words
Explore more words
amalgamate, syncretism, fusion, coalesce, Merger, assimilation
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