verb

assimilate

uh-SIHM-ih-layt

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

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.

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

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