What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
introjection
Example
She introjected her parents' expectations and values without questioning them. [introjected: past tense]
Example
The therapist helped the patient recognize their introjection of negative self-talk from a critical parent. [introjection: noun]
assimilation
Example
The child assimilated the new vocabulary words into their existing knowledge of the language. [assimilated: past tense]
Example
The immigrant family worked hard to assimilate to the new country's culture and way of life. [assimilate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Assimilation is more commonly used than introjection in everyday language, especially in the context of cultural adaptation or learning. Introjection is a more specialized term used primarily in psychology and psychotherapy.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between introjection and assimilation?
Both introjection and assimilation are formal terms used primarily in academic or professional contexts, such as psychology, sociology, or anthropology.