dissimilation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Academic
Quick answer
What does “dissimilation” mean?
In linguistics, a process where two similar or identical sounds in a word become less alike.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In linguistics, a process where two similar or identical sounds in a word become less alike.
More broadly, the act of making or becoming dissimilar; differentiation. Can be applied in fields like biology (loss of resemblance in related organisms) or social sciences (process of cultural divergence).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences.
Connotations
Slightly more common in UK academic writing on historical phonology.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language; confined almost entirely to linguistics and specialized academic texts.
Grammar
How to Use “dissimilation” in a Sentence
[dissimilation] of [X] to [Y][dissimilation] between [X] and [Y]undergo [dissimilation]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dissimilation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The liquid 'r' dissimilated to a tap sound over centuries.
- The two laterals often dissimilate.
American English
- The sequence dissimilated, producing a more distinct pronunciation.
- Consonants can dissimilate to avoid awkward articulation.
adverb
British English
- The sounds changed dissimilarly over time.
American English
- The consonants developed dissimilarly in each branch.
adjective
British English
- The dissimilative change is well-documented.
- There are dissimilatory forces at work in dialect formation.
American English
- A dissimilative process affected the word's form.
- The pattern shows a strong dissimilatory trend.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare; might occur metaphorically in consulting jargon for market differentiation.
Academic
Primary context, used in linguistics, biology, anthropology, and literary theory.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in phonology and historical linguistics for specific sound changes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dissimilation”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dissimilation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dissimilation”
- Misspelling as 'dissimination'.
- Confusing it with 'dissemination'.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'disintegration'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is the opposite. Assimilation makes sounds more similar; dissimilation makes them less similar.
Yes. 'Purple' (from Old English 'purpul', influenced by Latin 'purpura') may have avoided 'purpur' due to dissimilation of the second 'r'. The pronunciation of 'February' as 'Feb-yoo-ary' (avoiding two 'r' sounds) is a modern, optional dissimilation.
It is a universal phonological process, but classic examples are often drawn from Latin, Greek, Sanskrit, and the Romance languages.
No, it is typically a subconscious, historical sound change that occurs over generations to ease pronunciation or perception.
In linguistics, a process where two similar or identical sounds in a word become less alike.
Dissimilation is usually technical / academic in register.
Dissimilation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdɪsɪmɪˈleɪʃn/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˌsɪməˈleɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'dissimilation' as the opposite of 'assimilation'. Assimilation makes sounds similar; DISsimilation makes them DISsimilar.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOUNDS ARE NEIGHBOURS: Too-similar neighbours (sounds) move apart to avoid confusion.
Practice
Quiz
What is dissimilation?