'assimilate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'assimilare,' where 'ad-' meant 'to' and 'similis' meant 'like or similar.'

'assimilare' transformed into the French word 'assimiler,' and eventually became the modern English word 'assimilate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to make similar,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'to absorb and integrate' and 'to understand fully.'