assimilate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assimilate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the process of absorbing or integrating information, ideas, or cultures. Example: "In order to fully understand the new concepts, students must take the time to assimilate the information presented in class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Because of that always-changing environment and set of circumstances, you’re constantly trying to assimilate yourself.

The Guardian - Film

"The options were either to assimilate, and remove the sense that you were a 'threat' to your 'hosts'," he explained, "or to entrench yourself among your own people.

The Guardian

"It was just something that existed and was never questioned because we wanted to assimilate as quickly as possible, so we consumed as much American culture as possible".

The Guardian

"And it's very easy to assimilate into the communities here".

The Guardian

But as human operators struggle to assimilate the information collected by robotic sensors, decision-making by robots seems likely to increase.

The Economist

Letters are welcome via e-mail to [email protected] – The main obstacle to Israel's long-term economic success is not the failure to assimilate both Arab-Israeli and ultra-orthodox Jews into its business culture, although that is a big challenge (Schumpeter, January 1st).

The Economist

Ultimately, the book is a cultural study of America, and the country's ability to assimilate just about anything.

The Economist

Yet even these figures need not be alarming, if Muslim populations assimilate easily.

The Economist

She could try to assimilate, wearing tricky saris and trying to walk in low-heeled Indian sandals, but boys still called her names in the street.

The Economist

In Los Angeles, there are now roughly as many Mexican-Americans as whites, and by the end of the decade Latinos will be in the majority.It is not just a matter of numbers, argue the worriers; Latinos are harder to assimilate because their homeland is so close.

The Economist

The idea that America is intrinsically different is also consistent with the notion that outsiders can become American, but they must go there to do it and become citizens—hence America's extraordinary capacity to assimilate immigrants.There are three points to grasp from this gallop through the history of American exceptionalism.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing cultural integration, use "assimilate" to emphasize the process of a minority group adopting the customs and attitudes of the prevailing culture.

Common error

Avoid using "assimilate" when "accommodate" is more appropriate. "Assimilate" implies a complete adoption of new customs, while "accommodate" suggests making space for differences without requiring complete conformity.

Linguistic Context

The word "assimilate" functions primarily as a verb, denoting the process of absorbing, integrating, or incorporating something into a larger entity. Ludwig examples show its usage across various contexts, from cultural integration to the absorption of knowledge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "assimilate" is a versatile verb that describes the process of integrating or absorbing something into a larger entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. From cultural integration to scientific processes, "assimilate" effectively conveys the idea of something becoming part of a whole. While synonyms like "integrate" or "absorb" can be used, "assimilate" is particularly useful when emphasizing the adoption of customs and attitudes in a cultural context. Remember to differentiate it from "accommodate", which implies making space for differences without requiring complete conformity. With its frequent use in news, formal writing, and scientific discourse, mastering the use of "assimilate" will enhance your communication skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

integrate

Focuses on combining parts into a whole, rather than the process of absorption.

absorb

Highlights the intake or soaking up of something, often knowledge or information.

incorporate

Emphasizes including something as part of a larger group or system.

become integrated

Highlights the result of the integration process, focusing on the state of being combined.

adapt

Focuses on changing to fit new conditions, rather than complete absorption.

adjust

Suggests making minor changes to fit a new environment or situation.

blend in

Implies becoming indistinguishable from the surrounding environment or group.

become accustomed

Focuses on getting used to something, rather than fully integrating.

conform

Stresses aligning with established standards or norms.

comprehend

Deals specifically with understanding and internalizing information.

FAQs

What does it mean to "assimilate" into a culture?

To "assimilate" into a culture means to adopt the customs, values, and norms of that culture, often to the point where one's original cultural identity becomes less prominent. It involves integrating into the new society and becoming part of its mainstream.

What are some synonyms for "assimilate"?

Synonyms for "assimilate" include "integrate", "absorb", "incorporate", "adapt", and "adjust". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always positive to "assimilate"?

Whether it's positive or negative to "assimilate" depends on the context and individual perspectives. Some see it as necessary for social cohesion, while others view it as a loss of cultural identity. The concept is often debated in discussions about immigration and cultural diversity.

How can I use "assimilate" in a sentence?

You can use "assimilate" in a sentence like: "Immigrants often find it challenging to "assimilate" into a new culture while maintaining their own traditions." or "The body needs time to "assimilate" nutrients from food."