Both Uses of
assimilate
in
Howards End
- It would be no small business to remain herself, and yet to assimilate such an establishment.†
Part 26 *assimilate = take in, transform, or fit in
- She must remain herself, for his sake as well as her own, since a shadowy wife degrades the husband whom she accompanies; and she must assimilate for reasons of common honesty, since she had no right to marry a man and make him uncomfortable.†
Part 26
Definition:
take in, transform, or fit in
The exact meaning of assimilate can depend upon its context. For example:
- "assimilate to a new country" -- fitting into a prevailing culture
- "assimilate the information" -- transform information within the mind into understanding
- "assimilate the food" -- transform nutrients within the body for its use