Definition

A person who supports or promotes the idea of different cultures or groups becoming similar to a dominant culture, often by adopting its customs and values.

Example

The assimilationist believed that immigrants should adopt the local culture to fit in better with society.

Conversation

I was reading about different cultural policies, and I came across the term assimilationist.

Oh really? What does that mean exactly?

It refers to someone who supports blending different cultures into a mainstream one, like an assimilationist approach.

That makes sense. It’s interesting how cultures can influence each other.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Assimilationist → It is formed from "assimilare" (meaning to make similar) and the suffix "-ist" (meaning a person who practices or is concerned with). The word refers to a person who advocates for or practices the process of making different groups similar or integrating them into a common culture.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is trying to 'make similar' ('assimilare') different cultures or groups — that's what an assimilationist does.

Visually Confused Words