internalize
UK[ɪnˈtɜː.nəl.aɪz]US[ɪnˈtɜːr.nəl.aɪz]
v
to make a feeling, an attitude, or a belief part of the way you think and behave, especially without realizing you are doing so.
v
to absorb and fully understand information or ideas.
Morpheme Breakdown
inter
al
ize
inter
within
al
adjective suffix
ize
verb suffix
Etymology
the word 'internalize' is a modern english formation built upon the adjective 'internal'. 'internal' itself originates from the latin 'internus', meaning 'inward' or 'on the inside', which is derived from 'inter', meaning 'among, between'. the suffix '-al' was added in late latin to form the adjective. the final layer, the verb-forming suffix '-ize', was attached in english, following a productive pattern where '-ize' converts nouns or adjectives into verbs meaning 'to make or render something have that quality'. thus, the literal morphemic construction 'to make internal' evolved into the abstract psychological and cognitive meanings of absorbing attitudes or information into one's inner self or understanding.
Analysis
Structure: inter (within) + al (adjective suffix) + ize (verb suffix)
- inter: from latin 'internus', meaning 'inward, internal'. serves as the core root indicating 'inside' or 'within'.
- al: a suffix of latin origin used to form adjectives meaning 'of, relating to, or characterized by'.
- ize: a verb-forming suffix from greek via latin and french, meaning 'to make, to become, to subject to an action'.
Examples
children often internalize the values and norms of their parents.
it takes time to internalize complex theoretical concepts.
she had internalized a fear of failure from her early academic experiences.