Both Uses of
assimilate
in
The Magic Mountain
- And even in terms of the objects and faces that made up the details of a day, Hans Castorp had to learn at every step to take a closer, less casual look at accustomed facts and faces and assimilate new things with youthful receptivity.†
Chpt 4.3 *assimilate = take in, transform, or fit in
- The destruction of the body by fire—what a neat, hygienic, dignified, and indeed heroic idea that was in comparison with letting it decompose miserably on its own and be assimilated by lower forms of life.†
Chpt 6.6assimilated = took in, transformed, or fit in
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