regressive assimilation
- assimilation in which a following sound has an effect on a preceding one, as in pronouncing have in have to as [haf] /hæf/, influenced by the voiceless (t) in to.
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Compare progressive assimilation.
Origin of regressive assimilation
First recorded in 1885–90
Also called anticipatory assimilation.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018