acculturate

[ uh-kuhl-chuh-reyt ]

verb (used with or without object)

, ac·cul·tur·at·ed, ac·cul·tur·at·ing.

1. to alter by acculturation, through sharing and learning the cultural traits or social patterns of another group: Older computer users are hesitant to acculturate to social media communities.

   The families in my neighborhood are pretty acculturated, but they still celebrate holidays like their grandparents used to in Cuba.

   Older computer users are hesitant to acculturate to social media communities.

acculturate

/ əˈkʌltʃəˌreɪt /

verb

1. (of a cultural or social group) to assimilate the cultural traits of another group

Derived Forms

• acˌculturˈation, noun

Other Words From

• ac·cultur·ative adjective
• nonac·cultu·rated adjective
• unac·cultur·ated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of acculturate¹

First recorded in 1930–35; back formation from acculturation

Word History and Origins

Origin of acculturate¹

C20: from ad- + culture + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Immigrants were encouraged to acculturate as quickly as they could—meaning that they must learn a new language, giving up traditions, customs, heritage, etc., in order to blend and assimilate into the general population.

From Literature

Inspired and/or appalled by the experiences of Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, Barnes imagines a dialogue in which a Black duchess helps acculturate a Black duchess-to-be to her new position.

From New York Times

“We are trying to acculturate into American society, and WeChat provides this bridge for us to empower one another,” Ms. Lu said.

From New York Times

“I still think we have a very good plan to acculturate them to West Point and the Army,” Buzzard said.

From Seattle Times

“I still think we have a very good plan to acculturate them to West Point and the Army,” Buzzard said.

From Washington Times