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Glite Dictionary
dys-

dys-

1 7.2
A word part at the start of a word that shows something is bad, difficult, or not normal
  • other
  • Specialized
: dis-
  • The prefix dys- in 'dysfunction' means abnormal or impaired function.

Examples

  • In the word 'dyslexia', the prefix dys- signifies difficulty relating to reading.

  • Adding dys- to 'topia' creates 'dystopia', meaning a bad or unpleasant place.

  • Words like 'dyslexia' use dys- to indicate a difficulty with reading.

  • The patient was diagnosed with dysphagia.

  • Is dyslexia common among children?

  • The prefix dys- in 'dysfunction' indicates something that is abnormal or impaired.

  • By adding dys- to 'topia', we form 'dystopia', which refers to an undesirable or bad place.

Synonyms

mal-
vsdys-
  • Specialized
1 7.7

A small part you add to a word to show something is bad or wrong

is used mainly in medical or scientific terms to mean difficult or abnormal

Surface Forms

dys- main

Etymology

The prefix dys- comes from an old Greek word meaning 'bad' or 'difficult'. You can see it in words like dysfunction ('not working well'), dyslexia ('difficulty with reading'), and dystopia ('a bad or unpleasant place'), so dys- usually marks something that is wrong, hard, or not normal.