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assimilation

uh-sim-ih-LAY-shuhn /əˌsɪmɪˈleɪʃən/

nounC1GRESATTOEFLUPSC

academicsociological

The process of taking in and fully understanding information or ideas; the absorption and integration of people, ideas, or culture into a wider society.

In sociology, it often implies that a minority group adopts the customs of the dominant culture, sometimes losing their original cultural markers.

The story behind the word. The word 'assimilation' comes from the Latin 'assimilare', which means 'to make similar' or 'to make like'. It is built from 'ad-' (to) and 'similis' (like). Historically, it described how the body digests food and turns it into part of itself, which later became a powerful metaphor for how societies absorb new populations.

Word relationships

integration: Integration allows minority groups to participate fully in society while keeping their unique culture, whereas assimilation implies blending in completely.
absorption: Absorption is a general term for soaking up or taking in, which can apply to liquids, ideas, or populations.

segregation: Segregation is the enforced separation of different racial or cultural groups in a country or community.
preservation: Preservation is the act of keeping something in its original state, resisting change or blending.

Commonly confused with

acculturation: Acculturation is adopting some traits of another culture while keeping one's own, whereas assimilation is a complete blending where the original culture is mostly lost.

Word family

assimilate (verb): To absorb or integrate into a wider society or culture.
assimilative (adjective): Tending to or having the power of assimilating.

Collocations

cultural assimilation
rapid assimilation
force assimilation
social assimilation

Example sentences

"The assimilation of new immigrants into the local community takes time and social support." Discussing immigration history.
"The assimilation of complex scientific concepts requires active study and practice." Describing cognitive learning.

Memory hook

Assimilation makes two different cultures look 'similar'. Make similar through assimilation.

When not to use

Do not use when describing a society where cultures remain distinct and celebrated; that is pluralism or multiculturalism.

Fun facts

In linguistics, 'assimilation' is a common process where a sound changes to become more like a neighboring sound, such as 'in-possible' becoming 'impossible'.

Related words

pluralism, multicultural

Explore more words

assimilate, integrate, acculturation, homogenization, diffusion, internalization