make something part of how you think

internalize

verb|/ɪnˈtɜr.nə.laɪz/

To absorb knowledge or values so they become part of one's thinking

Examples

In a meeting

It takes time for new managers to internalize our leadership principles.

Over coffee

After years of therapy, I've finally internalized that it's okay to set boundaries.

Why this word

learn

Internalize means making something part of one's core beliefs or automatic responses, beyond simple learning

absorb

Internalize implies deep adoption into one's thinking patterns, not just taking in information

accept

Internalize means fully incorporating into one's mental framework, not just agreeing with something

Usage tip

Use when discussing deep learning that changes behavior or becomes automatic, not just memorization

Etymology

From 'internal' (Latin 'internus', inward) + '-ize' (to make)

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