Assimilative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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assimilative

[əˈsɪmɪˌleɪtɪv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

behavior

Tending to assimilate or incorporate beliefs, ideas, or practices of others into one's own behavior.

Synonyms

absorptive, incorporative, integrative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
assimilative	This word is often used in the context of social and cultural studies, referring to the process by which individuals or groups adopt the culture or habits of another group. The assimilative nature of urban areas often leads to a blending of different cultures The community has shown an assimilative tendency toward new immigrants
incorporative	This word is typically used in legal, business, or organizational contexts to describe the act of including or integrating something as part of a larger entity. The company adopted an incorporative approach to mergers and acquisitions The incorporative process was complex but ultimately successful
absorptive	This term is primarily used in scientific or technical contexts to describe materials or processes that take in a substance, often fluids or energy. The sponge has high absorptive capacity for water Their research focuses on the absorptive properties of different soil types
integrative	This term is often used in fields like medicine, education, and psychology to describe approaches that combine different methods or systems into a unified whole. Integrative medicine combines conventional treatments with alternative therapies The school promotes an integrative learning environment that bridges various subjects

Examples of usage

He had an assimilative approach to learning new languages.
She had an assimilative attitude towards different cultures.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

biology

Relating to or characterized by assimilation, the process of absorbing and integrating new information or experiences into existing knowledge structures.

Synonyms

absorptive, incorporative, integrative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
assimilative	Used when describing the process of absorbing or integrating new information or experiences, often in a cultural or social context. The assimilative nature of the immigrant community helped them adopt local customs quickly
absorptive	Commonly used in scientific or technical contexts to describe something that takes in liquids, gases, or energy. Can also refer to metaphorical absorption of information. The new sponge has a highly absorptive capacity His absorptive mind was quick to understand the complex theories
incorporative	This word is applicable when something is being included or assimilated into a larger system or body, often in bureaucratic or organizational contexts. The incorporative policies of the company allowed for seamless merger processes The teacher's incorporative approach helped include all students in the activities
integrative	Used to describe processes or approaches that combine different parts into a whole, often in contexts like education, therapy, or organizational strategies. Integrative therapy often incorporates multiple treatment methods The school's integrative curriculum helps students see connections between subjects

Examples of usage

The assimilative capacity of the organism was remarkable.
The assimilative processes in the body were studied extensively.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

In developmental psychology, assimilation is a process where individuals integrate new experiences into existing frameworks.
Cognitive development theories suggest that children often practice assimilation when they encounter something unfamiliar, trying to categorize it using known concepts.
Over time, people may shift their views or behaviors based on assimilative experiences, affecting their identity formation.

Cultural Studies

Cultural assimilation refers to how minority groups may adopt the customs and social norms of a dominant culture.
Historically, assimilation policies have been controversial, often leading to loss of cultural identity.
Many immigrant communities showcase both assimilation and preservation of their original cultural practices.

Education

In classroom settings, assimilative learning occurs when students relate new knowledge to what they already know, enhancing understanding.
Educators focus on assimilative strategies to help students connect with complex materials.
Collaborative learning environments often emphasize assimilation as peers share diverse perspectives.

Science

In biology, assimilation describes how organisms convert absorbed nutrients into living tissue, essential for growth.
The term is used in ecology to discuss how species may integrate into an ecosystem, influencing their survival and interaction dynamics.
In technology, data assimilation refers to the process of integrating real-time data into models to improve accuracy.

Origin of 'assimilative'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'assimilare', meaning 'to make similar' or 'to absorb'.
It is formed from 'ad-' meaning 'to' and 'similis' meaning 'similar'.
First recorded use in English dates back to the late 19th century, primarily in scientific contexts.

The word 'assimilative' is derived from the Latin word 'assimilatus', which means 'made like'. The concept of assimilation has been studied in various fields such as psychology, biology, and sociology. It refers to the process of incorporating new information or experiences into existing knowledge structures. The term has been used to describe both individual behavior and biological processes.