assimilate
UK[əˈsɪm.ɪ.leɪt]US[əˈsɪm.ə.leɪt]
v
to learn and understand information, rules, or a culture so that you can use it effectively
v
to allow people from different groups to become part of a larger group or society, often by adopting its customs
v
(of the body or a biological system) to absorb and digest nutrients or substances
Morpheme Breakdown
ad
simil
ate
ad
to, towards
simil
like, same
ate
verb suffix
Etymology
the word assimilate originates from the latin verb assimilare, meaning "to make like." this was formed by combining the prefix ad- (to, toward) with the adjective similis (like, similar). the core concept is one of transformation towards likeness or sameness. entering english via french in the late middle ages, it initially described the process of making things similar. its semantic range broadened significantly, applying to cognitive absorption of knowledge, the social integration of groups, and the biological absorption of nutrients, all preserving the fundamental idea of incorporating something external and making it part of a similar whole.
Analysis
Structure: ad (to, towards) + simil (like, same) + ate (verb suffix)
ad- (latin, a prefix meaning "to, towards"); simil- (latin, a root from "similis" meaning "like, same"); -ate (latin, a verb-forming suffix)
Examples
it takes time to assimilate all the facts before making a decision.
many immigrants strive to assimilate into their new country's culture while preserving their own traditions.
the body needs fiber, but it does not assimilate it in the way it does other nutrients.