Both Uses of
assimilate
in
The Lords of Discipline
- I became suddenly in-visible, the unassimilated motionless voyeur.†
Chpt 1.2unassimilated = not taken in, transformed, or made to fit instandard prefix: The prefix "un-" in unassimilated means not and reverses the meaning of assimilated. This is the same pattern you see in words like unhappy, unknown, and unlucky.
- I had no doubts then, and none now, that I spent four years in the loveliest city on the continent and that some indelible mark of civilization, some passionate intimacy with form and beauty, would remain with me always if only I were vigilant enough, if only I were resolute in my intention to assimilate the resonances and intimations of that exquisite city.†
Chpt 2.18 *assimilate = take in, transform, 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