English · Culture & Society
assimilation
/əˌsɪm.ɪˈleɪ.ʃən/
[/əˌsɪm.ɪˈleɪ.ʃən/]
absorption into a group
Advancednoun
Definition
The process by which a person or group becomes part of and similar to a larger group or culture.
Example
The film explores the tension between cultural assimilation and holding on to one's heritage.
The film explores the tension between cultural assimilation and holding on to one's heritage.
Etymology
From Latin 'assimilare' (to make similar), from 'ad-' plus 'similis' (like).
How & Where It’s Used
Common in sociology, linguistics, and biology.