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to assimilate

to assimilate

1 7.4
Change to sound more like a nearby sound when speaking
  • verb
  • /əˈsɪməˌleɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : asimilar(se)
  • As children grow, they often assimilate the dialect and accents of their peers, making their speech sound more similar.

Examples

  • 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

to dissimilate
  • Specialized
9.9

Become less similar in sound to make words easier to say

How Assimilated

to merge
192 3.2
to assimilate
  • Specialized
1 7.4
to alter
493 2.5
to remain
1.0

Surface Forms

assimilate infinitive
assimilated past participle
assimilating present participle
assimilates third person singular

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.