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Assimilate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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assimilate

as-sim-i-late

🇺🇸 /əˈsɪməˌɫeɪt/ · 🇬🇧 /ɐsˈɪmɪlˌeɪt/

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

social interaction

To assimilate means to absorb and integrate new information or experiences into one's existing knowledge or understanding.

Synonyms

absorb, incorporate, integrate.

Examples of usage

  • I tried to assimilate the new language by practicing every day.
  • She was able to assimilate the feedback and make improvements.
  • The immigrant community struggled to assimilate into the local culture.
Context #2 | Verb

biology

In biology, assimilate means to absorb and metabolize substances into the body.

Synonyms

absorb, incorporate, metabolize.

Examples of usage

  • Plants assimilate carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.
  • The body assimilates nutrients from food to maintain health.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Quick facts about “assimilate”

Assimilate is a 4-syllable verb (as-sim-i-late). It is pronounced /əˈsɪməˌɫeɪt/ in American English and /ɐsˈɪmɪlˌeɪt/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 6 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #14,479 among the most common English words.

Did you know?

“assimilate” in cultural studies

  • Cultural assimilation occurs when minority groups adopt the customs and attitudes of the prevailing culture, resembling a form of integration.
  • In anthropology, assimilation can describe how societies merge and influence one another, leading to a shared cultural identity.

“assimilate” in psychology

  • In cognitive psychology, assimilation refers to the process of incorporating new experiences into existing mental frameworks.
  • It is part of Piaget's theory of cognitive development, which explains how children understand the world around them.

“assimilate” in education

  • In learning environments, students assimilate knowledge when they connect new information with what they already know.
  • Effective teaching strategies often involve assimilation, ensuring new concepts are relatable to students’ experiences.

“assimilate” in sociology

  • The concept of social assimilation describes how individuals blend into a social group, often impacting identity and belonging.
  • It can lead to challenges for individuals trying to hold onto their original cultural identity while integrating into a new one.

Origin of 'assimilate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'assimilare', meaning 'to make similar' or 'to liken to'.
  • It entered the English language in the 15th century, reflecting processes of learning and integration.

The word 'assimilate' comes from the Latin word 'assimilatus', which means 'made similar'. It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. The concept of assimilation has been studied in various fields, including sociology, biology, and linguistics, to understand how individuals or organisms adapt to new environments or information.

Rhymes

Assimilate rhymes with immolate.

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Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,479, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.