/ əˈsɪməleɪt; NAmE / verb
1.
[ vn ] to fully understand an idea or some information so that you are able to use it yourself :
The committee will need time to assimilate this report.
2.
assimilate (sb) (into / to sth) to become, or allow sb to become, a part of a country or community rather than remaining in a separate group :
[ v ]
New arrivals find it hard to assimilate.
[ vn ]
Immigrants have been successfully assimilated into the community.
3.
[ vn ] [ often passive ] assimilate sth into / to sth to make an idea, a person's attitude, etc. fit into sth or be acceptable :
These changes were gradually assimilated into everyday life.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin assimilat- absorbed, incorporated, from the verb assimilare , from ad- to + similis like.