What does dissimilatory mean?
Dissimilatory is a technical adjective meaning “of or relating to dissimilation.” In its best-known linguistic sense, it describes a process in which two sounds that are alike, or become alike, change so that they are less alike. Such dissimulatory changes can prevent closely related word forms from becoming confusing and are discussed in historical linguistics, phonology, and language contact. The adjective is also used in biology for metabolic dissimilation: the breakdown of organic compounds that releases usable energy, as distinct from the synthesis of cellular material. In ordinary conversation, “dissimilatory” is unlikely to be needed; speakers who simply mean “not alike” normally use “dissimilar.” Its value lies in naming a precise concept rather than expressing a general idea of difference. Recognizing it is especially useful in academic writing about sound change and metabolism, where “dissimilar” would be too vague and would not identify the process involved.
adjectiveRelating to dissimilation. In linguistics, it describes a process by which formerly similar sounds become less alike; in biology, it relates to the breakdown of organic compounds with the release of energy.
- Relating to a phonological process in which two formerly similar sounds become less alike.
- In biology, relating to the breakdown of organic compounds with the release of usable energy.
"The dissimillary change helped distinguish the two related word forms."
"The dissimillary change helped distinguish the two related word forms."
"The organism relies on dissimillary metabolism to obtain energy from organic compounds."
Two sounds drift apart: dissimilation turns a near-match into a mismatch.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of dissimilatory
The English adjective dissimilatory was formed on the stem of dissimilation with the suffix -atory. English dissimilation comes through Latin from dissimilis, meaning “unlike” or “unequal,” which combines the prefix dis- with similis, meaning “like” or “similar.” The related words dissimilar, dissimile, and dissimilarity reflect this Latin family, while similar represents the positive root embedded in dissimilis.
How dissimilatory is actually used
A specialized, chiefly academic term used in linguistics, phonology, and biology. It is not commonly used in general speech to mean simply “not similar.”
Easily confused with dissimilatory
Dissimilatory is a technical adjective describing a process of phonetic or metabolic dissimilation, whereas dissimilar means simply unlike.