dissimilation

Similar sounds separating

Dissimilation is the process of becoming different or making things different.

In linguistics, it refers to sounds in a word changing to become less alike—the opposite of assimilation.

More broadly, dissimilation describes any process where similar things diverge or differentiate: The two dialects underwent dissimilation over centuries of separation.

phonology

metathesis

Sound reordering in words

elisionDropped sounds in speech
deletionRemoval of content
syncopeTemporary loss of consciousness

umlaut · allophone · phoneme · neutralization · liquid · sibilant · voicing · nasalization · gemination

articulation

pronunciation

Manner of speaking words

enunciateSpeak with clarity
consonantIn agreement with
vowelUnobstructed speech sound

manner · syllable · segment · sonority

change

differentiation

Recognizing meaningful differences

divergenceSeparation from common origin
distinctionNotable difference or honor
modificationAct of altering something

alteration · transformation · variation · shift · contrast enhancement · growing apart · separation · diversification

Opposites

phonological process direction

dissimilationassimilation

Absorbing into a whole

harmonization · convergence · coalescence · merger · fusion

biological metabolic process

dissimilationassimilation

Absorbing into a whole

anabolism · biosynthesis · synthesis · building up

convergence vs. divergence

dissimilationassimilation

Absorbing into a whole

convergence · integration · unification · homogenization · blending

Family

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