What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
digestion
Example
The digestive system breaks down food into smaller molecules. [digestive: adjective]
Example
I have trouble with digestion after eating spicy foods. [digestion: noun]
assimilation
Example
The assimilation of nutrients occurs in the small intestine. [assimilation: noun]
Example
The body assimilates nutrients from food to maintain health. [assimilates: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Digestion is a more common term than assimilation in everyday language, as it is a more specific and widely understood concept. Assimilation is a less common term that may be more familiar in academic or scientific contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between digestion and assimilation?
Both digestion and assimilation are technical terms that are typically used in formal or scientific contexts. However, digestion may be more commonly used in everyday language and may be more familiar to non-experts.