Prefixes: de- dys- and dis-

Prefixes

• How can you make a word have a negative meaning?

• By adding de- ,dys-, or dis-

Dis- usually gives the opposite meaning.

To disagree is the opposite of agree. Disappear is the opposite of appear. And if you know what comfort means, then you can guess what discomfort means!

Words beginning with dys- are usually medical

 They're quite technical, but if your doctor says you have dyskinesia (difficulty moving normally), dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or dyssomnia (difficulty sleeping), then you know you're not completely healthy.

De- often has the idea of moving 'away' from something. Or, like dis-, it can also give an opposite meaning

 To decentralise is to move things away from the centre (the opposite of centralise). If you deforest land, you take the trees away. And to detox is to remove toxins (harmful substances).

Useful tip!

Understanding how prefixes affect meaning is a very useful tool. Next time you see a word you don't know, have a look to see if it's made of a prefix and a word you do know. If you know the prefix, there's a good chance you guess the new word too.

Multiple Choice

Choose the option which matches the meaning most closely.

He disconnected the TV from the power supply before fixing it.

• A He made sure the TV and the power supply were connected before starting work.

• B He removed the connection between TV and the power supply before starting work

Multiple Choice

Martin is quite dishonest.

• A Martin doesn't tell the truth..

• B Martin never tells lies.

Multiple Choice

Sophia has dyslexia.

• A Sophia doesn't like words or spelling.

• B Sophia has a medical condition which affects her ability to read and spell words.

Multiple Choice

There was disorder in the city after crowds entered the main square.

• A Crowds of people behaved in a noisy way in the city.

• B Crowds of people became lost in the city

Multiple Choice

I really dislike the way she talks about her mother.

• A I really don't like the way her mother talks about her

• B I really don't like the way she talks about her mother

Multiple Choice

The president denationalised the railways.

• A He took control and ownership of the railways.

• B He gave up the government's control and ownership of the railways.