verb C2 Proficient

assimilate

uh-SIHM-ih-layt

Assimilate (verb) means to take in and fully understand new information or ideas. Example: “It took time for the students to assimilate all the new vocabulary.”

verb

To take in and fully understand new information or ideas.

"It took time for the students to assimilate all the new vocabulary."

To become part of a group or culture by adopting its customs and ways, or to absorb someone into a group in this way.

"Many immigrants assimilate into the local culture within a generation."

"The company was quickly assimilated into the larger corporation."

How to use assimilate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo take in and become similar to your surroundings — whether that's new knowledge or a new culture.

Common pairings

assimilate information assimilate into society culturally assimilate

Word forms

more assimilate comparative, assimilated past tense, assimilates singular, most assimilate superlative

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It took time for the students to _____ all the new vocabulary.

Etymology

From Late Latin assimilatus, from Latin ad- plus similis ("like, similar") — a doublet of "assemble".

Origin: Late Latin

Synonyms

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absorb ingest imbibe take in

Related words

clear include learn drink receive admit suck engage

Rhymes for assimilate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

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Frequently asked questions

What does “assimilate” mean?

The word “assimilate” means to take in and fully understand new information or ideas. In plain terms, to take in and become similar to your surroundings — whether that's new knowledge or a new culture.

How do you pronounce “assimilate”?

“Assimilate” is pronounced uh-SIHM-ih-layt (/əˈsɪm.ɪ.leɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “assimilate” in a sentence?

Here is “assimilate” used in a sentence: “It took time for the students to assimilate all the new vocabulary.”

What part of speech is “assimilate”?

“Assimilate” is a verb.

Where does the word “assimilate” come from?

The word “assimilate” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin assimilatus, from Latin ad- plus similis ("like, similar") — a doublet of "assemble".

How many meanings does “assimilate” have?

“Assimilate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to take in and fully understand new information or ideas.

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clear include learn drink receive admit suck engage