dissimilate

[ dih-sim-uh-leyt ]

verb (used with object)

, Phonetics.

, dis·sim·i·lat·ed, dis·sim·i·lat·ing.

1. to modify by dissimilation.

dissimilate

/ dɪˈsɪmɪˌleɪt /

verb

1. to make or become dissimilar
2. usually foll by to phonetics to change or displace (a consonant) or (of a consonant) to be changed to or displaced by (another consonant) so that its manner of articulation becomes less similar to a speech sound in the same word. Thus (r) in the final syllable of French marbre is dissimilated to (l) in its English form marble

Derived Forms

• disˈsimilatory, adjective
• disˈsimilative, adjective

Other Words From

• dis·simi·lative adjective
• dis·sim·i·la·to·ry [dih-, sim, -, uh, -l, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dissimilate¹

First recorded in 1835–45; dis- ¹ + (as)similate

Word History and Origins

Origin of dissimilate¹

C19: from dis- ¹+ assimilate

Example Sentences

“I just think you’re dissimilating when you say that any ruling here wouldn’t have an effect on those.”

From New York Times

In Sansom we have Samson assimilated to Samson and then dissimilated.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a large group of such words in French, coming from Latin collectives in -etum; d'Aubray is from Lat. arboretum, and has given also the dissimilated form Darblay, famous in English literature.

From Project Gutenberg

The dissimilating process seems to bring about stronger reactions on the physiological side, as if it were a more exciting process.

From Project Gutenberg

And whenever it becomes like and unlike it must be assimilated and dissimilated?

From Project Gutenberg