internalize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "internalize" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of understanding or assimilating knowledge, ideas, beliefs, or values that are not part of your immediate experience. For example, "After several weeks of studying, he began to internalize the new vocabulary words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In order to offer a better explanation of internalization, proponents of the rational choice model maintain that it is rational to internalize a norm.

SEP

Since bank failures impose costs on everyone else, the banking system needs more regulations to internalize those externalities.

The Economist

In order that the listening audience may internalize the rhyme that is to be used, the first line (which is often repeated) uses the rhyme at the end of both halves of the line; thereafter the rhyme occurs only at the end of the complete line.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Behaviours and structures will tend to replicate themselves as new members are socialized and internalize the preferences, values, norms, beliefs, and ideas of those around them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This gets passed down to children who internalize it and consequently begin to feel the same way".

Independent

But the influence of the West has also contributed, he told CNN. "Those who look Western, those who are white, those who have bodies that look like Westerners', become preferable — in a way, people in Thailand internalize a colonial attitude into themselves".

Independent

While there may be a scripting or an orchestration of the emotions, individuals vary in the degree to which they internalize and follow scripts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In response to these critiques, economists Ronald Coase, Milton Friedman, Ludwig von Mises, and Friedrich A. Hayek, among others, have argued for the robustness of markets because they can adjust to or internalize supposed market failures in many situations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They internalize a theatrical manner that, paradoxically, is in no way insincere, but is, rather, the expression of their own inner divisions.

The New Yorker

What's surprising about these results is that even after we internalize a scientific concept — the vast majority of adults now acknowledge the Copernican truth that the earth is not the center of the universe — that primal belief lingers in the mind.

The New Yorker

Melissa said, "To his credit, Skylar's been amazingly patient with allowing Chip and me to internalize this and to get up to speed on it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "internalize" when you want to emphasize the process of deeply understanding and integrating something into your own beliefs or behaviors. It suggests a transformation within the individual.

Common error

Avoid using "internalize" when you simply mean someone understands something intellectually. "Internalize" implies a deeper level of integration and personal adoption, not just comprehension.

Linguistic Context

The verb "internalize" functions as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. It signifies the process of making something – an idea, a belief, a norm – an integral part of one's own understanding, values, or behavior. As Ludwig AI suggests, it implies a deep assimilation beyond mere comprehension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "internalize" is a versatile verb signifying the deep assimilation of external concepts into one's core beliefs and behaviors. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and implies a transformation beyond simple understanding. Found frequently in News & Media, Scientific and Encyclopedia contexts, "internalize" describes the way individuals integrate societal norms, values, or experiences into their perspectives. When writing, remember that "internalize" suggests more than comprehension; it indicates a profound adoption shaping one's actions. While similar phrases like "absorb into one's psyche" or "integrate into one's understanding" offer alternatives, "internalize" stands out for its emphasis on comprehensive personal integration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Incorporate into one's behavior

Stresses the adoption of something into one's actions and habits.

Absorb into one's psyche

Focuses on the psychological aspect of incorporating something into one's mind.

Integrate into one's understanding

Highlights the process of combining new information with existing knowledge.

Assimilate into one's thinking

Focuses on adapting new information to fit one's current thought processes.

Make part of one's belief system

Emphasizes the integration of an idea into one's core beliefs.

Take to heart

Implies embracing something emotionally and personally.

Embrace as one's own

Suggests a willing and enthusiastic adoption of an idea or value.

Adopt as a guiding principle

Highlights the use of something as a rule or standard for behavior.

Make second nature

Emphasizes the idea of something becoming automatic or habitual.

Grasp the significance of

Focuses on understanding the importance or meaning of something.

FAQs

How can I use "internalize" in a sentence?

You can use "internalize" to describe the process of deeply understanding and adopting values, beliefs, or concepts. For example, "Children often "internalize" the values of their parents".

What's a simple way to describe what it means to "internalize" something?

To "internalize" something means to make it a part of your own understanding, beliefs, or way of thinking, so that it influences your actions and decisions. It's more than just knowing something; it's truly understanding and accepting it.

What can I say instead of "internalize"?

You can use alternatives like "absorb into one's psyche", "make part of one's belief system", or "integrate into one's understanding", depending on the specific context.

Is "internalize" used only for positive concepts?

No, "internalize" can be used for both positive and negative concepts. For example, someone might "internalize" negative stereotypes or harmful beliefs.