Dissimilation: meaning, definitions and examples
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dissimilation
[ dɪsɪmɪˈleɪʃən ]
linguistics process
Dissimilation is a phonological phenomenon where two similar sounds in a word become less similar. This process often occurs to ease pronunciation and make speech clearer. It can affect both consonants and vowels in various languages.
Synonyms
phonetic alteration, sound change.
Examples of usage
- The dissimilation of the two 'r' sounds made the word easier to say.
- In some dialects, dissimilation can change the way words are pronounced.
- Dissimilation can be observed in the evolution of certain phonetic patterns.
Etymology
The term 'dissimilation' stems from the Latin root 'dissimilis', meaning 'dissimilar' or 'different'. The prefix 'dis-' implies a negation or reversal of a state, while 'similis' relates to similarity. In linguistic studies, the concept of dissimilation has been examined since the early 20th century as researchers began to formalize the rules governing sound changes in languages. It serves as a critical factor in the evolution of words and their pronunciations across different dialects and languages. Understanding dissimilation helps linguists comprehend how and why certain phonetic changes occur over time, which is essential for historical linguistics and phonology.