dissymmetry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “dissymmetry” mean?
A lack or absence of symmetry.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A lack or absence of symmetry; a specific imbalance between two parts.
Can imply an irregularity, disproportion, or imbalance that is often subtle or specific rather than a complete lack of pattern. In technical fields like physics or chemistry, it denotes a specific type of molecular asymmetry.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. Slightly more common in UK scientific writing.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general use. Higher frequency in specialised academic and technical contexts (physics, chemistry, biology, art criticism).
Grammar
How to Use “dissymmetry” in a Sentence
dissymmetry in [NP]dissymmetry of [NP]dissymmetry between [NP] and [NP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dissymmetry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The pattern was carefully dissymmetrised to create a dynamic tension.
American English
- The design was deliberately dissymmetrized to avoid a static feel.
adverb
British English
- The molecules were arranged dissymmetrically within the crystal.
American English
- The weights were placed dissymmetrically on the scale for the experiment.
adjective
British English
- The dissymmetric arrangement of the windows was a deliberate architectural choice.
American English
- The dissymmetric layout of the circuit board improved its signal integrity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in analyses to describe power imbalances in negotiations or market structures.
Academic
Common in physics (e.g., particle physics), chemistry (chiral molecules), biology (bilateral organisms), and art theory.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used in art or design discussion.
Technical
Precise term for specific types of asymmetry, e.g., 'dissymmetry factor' in circular dichroism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dissymmetry”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dissymmetry”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dissymmetry”
- Misspelling as 'disymmetry' (one 's').
- Using it interchangeably with 'asymmetry' in all contexts, though it is often more specific.
- Incorrect stress: /ˈdɪs.ɪm.ɪ.tri/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Asymmetry' is a broader, more general term for any absence of symmetry. 'Dissymmetry' often implies a more specific, often bilateral, imbalance where the parts are still comparable. In technical fields like chemistry, they are not interchangeable.
No. It is a low-frequency word used almost exclusively in formal, academic, or technical writing (e.g., physics, chemistry, political science, art theory). You are unlikely to encounter it in everyday conversation.
Not in standard usage. The noun 'dissymmetry' is standard. Related forms like 'dissymmetrize' (US) / 'dissymmetrise' (UK) are extremely rare and highly technical.
Not inherently. In science, it is a neutral descriptive term. In art or design, it can be a positive, intentional feature that creates dynamism and interest.
A lack or absence of symmetry.
Dissymmetry is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Dissymmetry: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈsɪm.ɪ.tri/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈsɪm.ə.tri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “There is a necessary dissymmetry in all relationships. (Philosophical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DIS + SYMMETRY. 'Dis-' suggests 'apart' or 'away from', so it's a moving away from perfect symmetry.
Conceptual Metaphor
BALANCE IS SYMMETRY (therefore, dissymmetry is a state of imbalance).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'dissymmetry' MOST appropriately used?