dissimilate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very low frequency, specialist)Formal, Academic, Technical (Linguistics)
Quick answer
What does “dissimilate” mean?
to make or become unlike.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to make or become unlike; to change so as to become less similar.
In linguistics, it refers specifically to the process by which two similar or identical sounds in a word become less alike (e.g., 'pilgrim' from Latin 'peregrinus' where the first 'r' dissimilated to 'l'). More generally, it can mean to lose or cause to lose distinguishing characteristics through assimilation into a different culture or group.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare and technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, highly technical. No regional connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects, confined almost exclusively to linguistics textbooks and academic papers.
Grammar
How to Use “dissimilate” in a Sentence
NP ___ (intransitive)NP ___ NP (transitive)NP ___ from NPVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dissimilate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The two adjacent /r/ sounds in the Latin precursor eventually dissimilated, resulting in the modern form 'pilgrim'.
- In rapid speech, speakers may dissimilate the consonants to aid articulation.
American English
- Linguists argue that the fricatives dissimilated to avoid a repetitive pattern.
- The child's speech showed a tendency to dissimilate similar sounds.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form.]
American English
- [No standard adverb form.]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective form. 'Dissimilatory' is a rare, technical derivative.]
American English
- [No standard adjective form. 'Dissimilatory' is a rare, technical derivative.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Primary context. Used in linguistics, philology, and historical language studies.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be encountered or used.
Technical
The standard context for its use, specifically in phonology and diachronic linguistics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dissimilate”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dissimilate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dissimilate”
- Misspelling as 'disimilate' (single 's').
- Confusing it with 'disseminate' (to spread) or 'dissimulate' (to conceal).
- Using it in non-linguistic contexts where 'differentiate' or 'diverge' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are opposites in linguistics. 'Assimilate' means sounds become more similar (e.g., 'input' pronounced 'imput'), while 'dissimilate' means sounds become less similar.
No, it is a very low-frequency, technical term used almost exclusively in academic linguistics.
Rarely. Its primary and almost sole modern use is for linguistic processes. In broader contexts, words like 'diverge' or 'differentiate' are preferred.
The noun is 'dissimilation'. For example, 'The change from Latin *peregrinus* to English *pilgrim* involved dissimilation of the first /r/.'
to make or become unlike.
Dissimilate is usually formal, academic, technical (linguistics) in register.
Dissimilate: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈsɪmɪleɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈsɪməˌleɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of DISSIMILAR. To DISSIMILATE is to make things DISSIMILAR, especially sounds in a word.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOUNDS ARE ENTITIES THAT CAN MOVE APART. (The similar sounds move away from each other to become distinct.)
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the word 'dissimilate' most commonly used?