assimilation

[/əˌsɪm.əˈleɪ.ʃən/]
nounfemininepl: assimilations / assimilações
assimilação
1. The process of absorbing or integrating into a social group, culture, or system
The assimilation of immigrant communities into American society takes time and effort.
A assimilação de comunidades imigrantes na sociedade americana leva tempo e esforço.
2. In linguistics, the process by which a sound becomes more similar to an adjacent sound
The assimilation of the 'd' sound in 'handbag' creates the 'mb' pronunciation.
A assimilação do som 'd' em palavras compostas cria pronuncias alteradas.
3. In biology, the process of converting digested food into the substance of the body
Nutrient assimilation occurs in the small intestine.
A assimilação de nutrientes ocorre no intestino delgado.
4. The act of taking in and understanding information or knowledge
The assimilation of new scientific data requires careful analysis.
A assimilação de novos dados científicos exige análise cuidadosa.
In the United States, 'assimilation' has been a key concept in immigration discourse, often discussed in relation to the 'melting pot' theory. However, modern usage increasingly recognizes cultural pluralism and multiculturalism as alternatives. In Brazil, 'assimilação' is similarly discussed in the context of indigenous peoples and immigrant communities integrating into broader society, though Brazilian culture is often characterized as inherently more syncretic and mixed.
NYC Slang
melting in / blending in
Synonyms / Sinônimos
absorptionintegrationincorporationadaptationacculturation
Antonyms / Antônimos
segregationseparationisolationdifferentiationdistinction

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
assimilação
Standard term used in academic, social, and linguistic contexts
Portugal
assimilação
Same usage as Brazil; commonly used in sociology and linguistics
Brazil - informal
absorção
Sometimes used colloquially to describe cultural integration

Related Words

assimilateassimilativeassimilatorycultural integrationacculturationmelting potadaptation

Related Idioms & Phrases

cultural assimilation
assimilation into society
phonetic assimilation
biological assimilation
melting pot
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