# assimilate

/əˈsɪməˌɫeɪt/ (US) · /ɐsˈɪmɪlˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/assimilate
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

to become part of a new group or country by learning its language and customs. It can also mean to fully understand and take in new information.

For teachers: to integrate into a wider society or culture by adopting its customs and attitudes; to absorb and incorporate information or ideas into the mind.

## Examples

- New residents often try to assimilate into the local community.
- It takes time for students to fully assimilate the complex theories presented during the first semester of the course.
- The challenge for many immigrant families is to assimilate into the host culture while simultaneously preserving the linguistic and culinary traditions of their heritage.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They assimilated to the new culture." but "They assimilated into the new culture." — When describing integration into a group or society, 'assimilate' typically takes the preposition 'into' rather than 'to'.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the preposition 'into' when referring to social integration. Transitive when referring to the absorption of information.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.