Assimilate
/əˈsɪm.ɪ.leɪt/noun
To absorb and make similar, or to become similar through absorption or adaptation.
Did you know?The word comes from Latin *assimिलāre*, built on *ad* (“to”) + *similis* (“like, similar”), the same ancient root behind English *similar*, *simulate*, and *resemble*—all words about likeness and copying.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sem-
“one; together; alike”
Latin
Latin
similis
“like, similar”
Latin
Latin
assimilāre
“to make like; to liken”
Old French
Old French
assimiler
“to make similar; to absorb into likeness”
Late Middle English
English
assimilaten
“to make or become like”
Modern English
English
assimilate
“to absorb into a larger group or to become similar”
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