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
1
To take in and fully understand new information or ideas.
"It took time for the students to assimilate all the new vocabulary."
2
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- assimilates
- Past tense
- assimilated
- Comparative
- more assimilate
- Superlative
- most assimilate
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
dissimilate
Related words
Rhymes for assimilate
See all rhymes for assimilate →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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