Internalize: meaning, definitions and examples

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internalize

 

[ ɪnˈtɜrnəlaɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

psychology

To internalize means to make something, such as an idea or belief, become part of one's inner self or mind. It is the process of incorporating external information or experiences into one's internal framework.

Synonyms

absorb, assimilate, incorporate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
internalize

Best used when referring to the process of making something a part of one's own mindset or habitual thought processes. This often involves deep understanding or acceptance.

  • She has internalized her mentor's advice and it shows in her work.
  • It's important to internalize these principles to truly benefit from them.
incorporate

Best for when adding or including something as part of a greater whole, often in a formal or structural context.

  • We need to incorporate these updates into our software.
  • She successfully incorporated various styles into her artwork.
absorb

Use when talking about taking in information, ideas, or liquids. This term emphasizes the act of taking something in rather than fully understanding or integrating it.

  • He can absorb new information quickly.
  • The sponge absorbed all the spilled water.
assimilate

Fits situations where one is integrating new information, experiences, or cultures into an existing framework. This term often implies a more active process of making something part of a unified whole.

  • Immigrants often struggle to assimilate into a new culture.
  • The students worked hard to assimilate the new concepts presented in the lecture.

Examples of usage

  • Children internalize the values and norms of their parents through socialization.
  • Students internalize knowledge through studying and practice.
  • Employees often internalize the company's mission and values.

Translations

Translations of the word "internalize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 internalizar

🇮🇳 अंदर लेना

🇩🇪 verinnerlichen

🇮🇩 menginternalisasi

🇺🇦 інтерналізувати

🇵🇱 internalizować

🇯🇵 内面化する

🇫🇷 internaliser

🇪🇸 internalizar

🇹🇷 içselleştirmek

🇰🇷 내면화하다

🇸🇦 استيعاب

🇨🇿 internalizovat

🇸🇰 internalizovať

🇨🇳 内化

🇸🇮 internalizirati

🇮🇸 innvæðing

🇰🇿 интернализация

🇬🇪 ინტერნალიზაცია

🇦🇿 daxil etmək

🇲🇽 internalizar

Etymology

The word 'internalize' originated from the Latin word 'internus' meaning 'inward' and the English word 'realize'. It first appeared in the mid-19th century. The concept of internalization has been studied in psychology and education to understand how individuals acquire knowledge and beliefs.

See also: internal, internalization, internally.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,849, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.