Dissimilate - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Dissimilate means to make or become dissimilar or different, often by altering characteristics to reduce resemblance. It can also refer to phonological changes where sounds become less alike.
Definition:
To make or become dissimilar; alter to appear different.
Synonyms:
differentiate, disguise, alter, modify
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
assimilate, resemble, conform
Common Collocations:
dissimilate sounds, dissimilate features, dissimilate patterns
Derivatives:
dissimilation, dissimilatory
Usage Tips:
Use "dissimilate" to describe making things distinct or less alike, often in linguistics or biology.
Common Phrases:
dissimilate over time, dissimilate deliberately, dissimilate naturally
Etymology:
From Latin "dissimilis," meaning "unlike," combined with the suffix "-ate."
Examples:
- 1. The two species began to dissimilate due to different environments.
- 2. Languages often dissimilate sounds to avoid confusion in speech.
- 3. She tried to dissimilate her writing style from her mentor's.
- 4. Over centuries, dialects may dissimilate into distinct languages.