acculturate

American  

[uh-kuhl-chuh-reyt] / əˈkʌl tʃəˌreɪt /

verb (used with or without object)

acculturated, acculturating

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.

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acculturate British  

/ əˈkʌltʃəˌreɪt /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

• acculturation noun
• acculturative adjective
• nonacculturated adjective
• unacculturated adjective

Etymology

Origin of acculturate

First recorded in 1930–35; back formation from acculturation

Example Sentences

The duty of new migrants is to integrate, acculturate and adhere to Australian values of democracy, tolerance and fairness.

From The Guardian • Aug. 15, 2018

The repercussions of such a holding would go beyond access to free public education—itself a right of inestimable importance in helping to acculturate and open opportunities for so many undocumented children.

From Slate • Jul. 5, 2018

Within the walls of our middle school, these students found safety and an environment where they could process their trials, learn English and begin to acculturate to life in the United States.

From Washington Post • Jun. 19, 2018

“The stories of how everyday Latinos engaged with baseball to acculturate, socialize and organize within their communities are fascinating,” Díaz said.

From New York Times • Sep. 18, 2016

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 "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin