What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
internalization
Example
The child internalized the values of honesty and integrity from their parents. [internalized: verb]
Example
The company's culture was successfully internalized by all employees. [internalized: past participle]
assimilation
Example
The immigrant family assimilated to their new country's customs and traditions. [assimilated: verb]
Example
The new data was easily assimilated into the existing research findings. [assimilated: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Assimilation is more commonly used than internalization in everyday language, especially in discussions of cultural or social integration. Internalization is more commonly used in psychological or educational contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between internalization and assimilation?
Both internalization and assimilation can be used in formal or informal contexts, but internalization may be more associated with academic or technical language.
