to assimilate
- verb
- /əˈsɪməˌleɪt/
- Specialized
- As children grow, they often assimilate the dialect and accents of their peers, making their speech sound more similar.
Examples
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In order to receive the Eucharist properly, one does not explain the gift, but is assimilated into its movement in the performance of companionship and compassion.
Academic text (2001) -
When learning a new language, it is common to assimilate sounds from native speakers to improve pronunciation.
-
Many learners assimilate the local accent after living in the area for a significant time, which helps them fit in better.
Antonyms
How Assimilated
Surface Forms
Etymology
Assimilate comes from the Latin parts ad- 'to' and similis 'like', the same root as similar. So when a sound 'assimilates' to a nearby sound, it changes to become more 'like' that sound in speech.