Dissimilations meaning

Dissimilations refer to the process in which similar elements become dissimilar in order to avoid confusion or repetition.


Dissimilations definitions

Word backwards snoitalimissid
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "dissimilations" is a noun.
Syllabic division dis-sim-i-la-tions
Plural The plural of the word "dissimilations" is still "dissimilations."
Total letters 14
Vogais (3) i,a,o
Consonants (6) d,s,m,l,t,n

Dissimilations, in the context of linguistics, refer to the phonological process where two similar sounds in a word become less alike. This phenomenon occurs when sounds change to become less similar to each other, often due to the influence of neighboring sounds or morphemes.

Understanding Dissimilations

When dissimilation takes place, it is usually to avoid redundancy in sounds and make the pronunciation of a word easier or more efficient. This process is commonly seen in languages around the world and can affect various aspects of speech, including vowels, consonants, and even entire syllables.

Example of Dissimilation

One common example of dissimilation is the English word "cinnamon." Originally derived from the Arabic term "sindhībān" through Latin and Old French, the word underwent dissimilation in its journey to becoming "cinnamon" in English. The "n" sounds in the second and third syllables changed to "m," creating a more pronounceable word through the process of dissimilation.

Significance of Dissimilations

Studying dissimilations in languages can provide valuable insights into phonological processes and the evolution of words over time. Linguists use these phenomena to trace the historical development of languages and understand how sounds change and adapt in different linguistic environments.

Overall, dissimilations play a crucial role in the phonological structure of languages, contributing to the diversity and richness of linguistic systems worldwide.


Dissimilations Examples

  1. The dissimilations between the two species made it difficult to classify them.
  2. The professor discussed the dissimilations in pronunciation between American and British English.
  3. The dissimilations in DNA sequences helped scientists understand genetic variations.
  4. The dissimilations in cultural practices can lead to misunderstandings between different communities.
  5. The dissimilations in ideologies led to a heated debate among the participants.
  6. The dissimilations in teaching styles required the school to implement new training programs.
  7. The dissimilations in architectural designs reflected the diverse history of the city.
  8. The dissimilations in opinion polls indicated a lack of consensus among the voters.
  9. The dissimilations in weather patterns caused unexpected changes in farming practices.
  10. The dissimilations in economic policies created challenges for international trade agreements.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 10/07/2024 - 07:08:21