dissimilate

[dih-sim-uh-leyt]

verb (used with object)

Phonetics.

dissimilated, dissimilating 

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

Other Word Forms

• dissimilative adjective
• dissimilatory 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.”

Read more on New York Times

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

Read more on Project Gutenberg

In this case one of the two lip consonants has been dissimilated.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

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

Read more on Project Gutenberg

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

Read more on Project Gutenberg