Acculturate: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used in academic or formal settings to describe the process by which individuals or groups adopt the cultural traits of another group, particularly in the context of social and environmental changes.

• The immigrants gradually began to acculturate to the customs and traditions of their new home

This term is used to describe the process of fully integrating into a different cultural or social group. It often implies a more complete absorption into the new environment, sometimes with a loss of original identity.

• Over time, she was able to assimilate into the local community and felt like she belonged

Use this word when talking about making changes in response to new conditions or environments. It’s a general term that can apply to a wide range of scenarios, from technology to personal behavior.

• You need to adapt to the cold weather by wearing warmer clothes

This phrase is informal and is used when someone or something becomes inconspicuous or indistinguishable from the surrounding environment or group. It often implies trying not to stand out.

• He tried to blend in with the crowd by wearing similar clothes

This word is appropriate when referring to making small changes to better suit a new condition or situation. It often has a more immediate or minor connotation than 'adapt'.

• He had to adjust his schedule to accommodate the new team's meetings

Use this term in formal or academic contexts when discussing how individuals or groups adopt cultural traits or social patterns from another culture.

• Immigrants often acculturate to their new environment over time.
• The study explores how refugees acculturate to different aspects of the host culture.