Assimilate

/əˈsɪməleɪt/

verbIntermediate📊CommonTechnology
1 meaning1 question

Definitions

1

To take in and incorporate (information, ideas, or experiences) as one's own.

/əˈsɪməleɪt/

verbneutralIntermediate
Technology

To absorb and integrate into a larger whole.

The new student quickly assimilated into the class.

💡 Simply: To become part of a group or system.

More Examples

2

The plant assimilates sunlight to produce energy.

How It's Used

Sociology

"Immigrants often strive to assimilate into the dominant culture."

Biology

"The body assimilates nutrients from food."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

From Latin *assimilāre, from ad- "to" + similis "similar". The word's evolution reflects its meaning of making something similar or the same.

The word has been used since the 16th century, initially in a more literal sense related to chemistry.

Memory tip

Think 'similar' - to make similar to oneself.

Word Origin

Original meaning

"to make similar"

assimilate informationassimilate into societyrapid assimilation

Common misspellings

asimilateassimlateassimilete

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written