What is assimilate? Pronunciation and usage in English

assimilate means . Learn how to pronounce and use assimilate through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of assimilate

assimilateverb

/əˈsɪməleɪt//əˈsɪməleɪt/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "assimilate" in English. It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is typically divided into three syllables: as-sim-i-late

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • as: Pronounced like "as" in "apple" - /æz/ (a short "a" sound)
  • sim: Pronounced like "sim" in "simple" - /sɪm/ (a short "i" sound – think of the "i" in "sit")
  • i: Pronounced like the "i" in "bit" - /ɪ/ (a short "i" sound)
  • late: Pronounced like "late" - /leɪt/ (rhymes with "wait")

3. Combined Sound:

Putting it all together, it sounds something like: ˈæsˌsɪmɪˈleɪt (Note the stress marks - ' represents a stressed syllable)

4. A More Detailed Phonetic Transcription (for those who like it!):

/ˈæsˌsɪmɪˈleɪt/

Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • The "i" in "sim" is short: Don't say "seem."
  • The "a" in "as" is short: Don’t say “aze”.
  • Stress: The primary stress falls on the third syllable: "simi-".

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using "assimilate" so you can practice?

Usage and examples with the word assimilate in English

Let's break down how to use the word "assimilate" effectively in English. It's a surprisingly nuanced word with a few different meanings, so understanding those is key.

1. Core Meaning: To Blend In (Social/Cultural Context)

  • Definition: This is the most common usage. "To assimilate" means to gradually lose your original cultural identity and adopt the customs, language, and values of a new culture. It’s about becoming part of a group.
  • Examples:
    • "Immigrants often struggle to assimilate into their new country’s culture." (They're trying to adopt new ways of life.)
    • "The method of education was designed to help the children assimilate into the dominant culture." (To become like the other children.)
    • “She found it difficult to assimilate after moving from a rural village to a bustling city." (Adjusting her lifestyle and worldview.)
  • Connotation: This usage can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, especially historically. It can imply pressure to abandon one's heritage, which is why it's often debated in discussions about immigration and cultural identity.

2. Mathematical/Statistical Meaning: To Combine

  • Definition: In math and statistics, "to assimilate" means to combine or merge things. Think of it like adding or bringing together elements.
  • Examples:
    • "The new data was assimilated into the existing database." (Combined with the other data.)
    • “The computer system assimilated the information and generated a report.” (Processed and integrated the input)
  • Connotation: This is a purely technical and neutral meaning.

3. Psychological/Neurological Meaning: To Understand & Integrate

  • Definition: More recently, "assimilate" is sometimes used in psychology and neuroscience to describe the process by which the brain integrates new information into existing knowledge and memories.
  • Examples:
    • “It takes time for new experiences to assimilate and become part of your understanding of the world.” (To become part of your mental framework)
    • “The brain's ability to assimilate visual information is remarkable.” (To process and understand what you see.)

4. Less Common – To Soak Up

  • Definition: Sometimes, "assimilate" is used to mean to absorb something, like a flavor or liquid.
  • Example: "Let the spices assimilate in the marinade for at least an hour." (To fully infuse the flavors).

Key Tips for Using "Assimilate":

  • Context is CRUCIAL: The meaning of "assimilate" completely depends on the context. Pay attention to the surrounding words and the overall topic.
  • Be mindful of connotations: When talking about cultural assimilation, be aware of the sensitive history and potential for negative interpretations. Consider using more neutral phrasing sometimes (e.g., "adapt," "integrate," "blend").
  • Don't overuse it: "Assimilate" is a sophisticated word. While it’s perfectly acceptable to use it when appropriate, simpler words like "adapt," "adjust," or "integrate" often work better.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about when you want to use the word "assimilate"? (e.g., discussing immigration, describing a learning process, talking about data analysis?)

Synonyms for the word assimilate

Practice with vocabulary assimilate

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. New employees often require a few months to fully __________ the complex internal processes and company culture.
  2. The human brain has an incredible capacity to __________ new information, even from seemingly unrelated sources, and connect it to existing knowledge.
  3. Successful project managers must effectively __________ resources, both human and material, to meet tight deadlines.
  4. Children tend to __________ to new environments and routines much faster than adults do.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words could replace "quickly understood and absorbed" in the sentence: "The team was able to quickly understand and absorb the new technical specifications"? a) disregard b) assimilate c) reject d) dismiss e) comprehend
  2. To successfully __________ into a foreign culture, one must often adopt new customs, languages, and ways of thinking. a) exclude b) separate c) assimilate d) blend in e) isolate
  3. It's crucial for leaders to __________ feedback from their team members to improve project outcomes. a) internalize b) incorporate c) disregard d) assimilate e) reject
  4. The new software update aims to __________ seamlessly with existing systems, enhancing overall workflow efficiency. a) clash b) integrate c) separate d) detach e) exclude
  5. After the merger, the smaller company had to __________ to the larger corporation's operational standards. a) diverge b) resist c) adapt d) oppose e) conflict

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It takes time for new employees to fully grasp the company's complex procedures.
    • Rewrite the sentence using a form of "assimilate."
  2. The new immigrants found it challenging to become fully integrated into the local culture.
    • Rewrite the sentence using a form of "assimilate."
  3. The students quickly absorbed all the new information presented in the lecture.
    • Rewrite the sentence without using "assimilate" or its forms, finding a suitable replacement for "absorbed."

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. assimilate
  2. assimilate
  3. allocate
  4. adapt

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) assimilate, e) comprehend
  2. c) assimilate, d) blend in
  3. a) internalize, d) assimilate
  4. b) integrate
  5. c) adapt

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It takes time for new employees to fully assimilate the company's complex procedures.
  2. The new immigrants found it challenging to fully assimilate into the local culture. (Alternatively: The new immigrants found their assimilation into the local culture challenging.)
  3. The students quickly processed all the new information presented in the lecture. (Alternatively: The students quickly comprehended all the new information presented in the lecture.)

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