Assimilation
/əˌsɪmɪˈleɪʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe process of absorbing information, ideas, or culture and integrating them into one's own worldview or society.
/əˌsɪmɪˈleɪʃən/
The process of becoming similar
The assimilation of new ideas can be challenging.
💡 Simply: Becoming like something else.
More Examples
Cultural assimilation is a complex process.
How It's Used
"The study focused on the assimilation of immigrant groups into the mainstream culture."
"The assimilation of sounds in connected speech is a common linguistic process."
To take in and incorporate (information, ideas, or culture) into one's own worldview or society.
/əˈsɪməˌleɪt/
To absorb and integrate
He quickly assimilated the new information.
💡 Simply: To absorb and become like something else.
More Examples
She assimilated into the new culture effortlessly.
How It's Used
"The organism assimilated the nutrients from its surroundings."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Latin *assimilāre, from *ad- "to" + similis "similar". The word's evolution reflects the core meaning of making something similar or alike.
The term has been used in sociological and anthropological studies since the 19th century, focusing on the integration of immigrant populations.
Memory tip
Think of 'similar' – assimilation makes things similar.
Word Origin
"to make similar"