assimilative

adjective

as·​sim·​i·​la·​tive ə-ˈsi-mə-ˌlā-tiv How to pronounce assimilative (audio)
-lə-tiv
: of, relating to, or causing assimilation

Examples of assimilative in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
My Mythic American Inheritance While the federal boarding schools offer the clearest historical example of violent assimilative curricula and school design, public schools remain sites of violence for Indigenous students. — TIME, 25 Nov. 2024 Beginning with Hampton and Carlisle, the federal government eventually staffed assimilative schools in at least 39 states. — TIME, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Medieval Latin assimilātīvus, from assimilātus, past participle of assimilāre, assimulāre "to make similar, digest, compare" + Latin -īvus -ive — more at assimilate entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of assimilative was in the 14th century

Rhymes for assimilative

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Browse Nearby Words

assimilationist
assimilative
assimilatory
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Cite this Entry

“Assimilative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assimilative. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

assimilative

adjective
as·​sim·​i·​la·​tive ə-ˈsim-ə-ˌlāt-iv, -lət- How to pronounce assimilative (audio)
: of, relating to, or causing assimilation
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