Dis- is added to some words that describe processes, qualities, or states, in order to form words describing the opposite processes, qualities, or states. For example, if you do not agree with someone, you disagree with them; if one thing is not similar to something else, it is dissimilar to it.
dis in British English
(dɪs)
verb
a variant spelling of diss
Dis in British English
(dɪs)
noun
1. Also called: Orcus, Pluto
the Roman god of the underworld
2.
the abode of the dead; underworld
Greek equivalent: Hades
dis- in British English1
prefix
1.
indicating reversal
disconnect
disembark
2.
indicating negation, lack, or deprivation
dissimilar
distrust
disgrace
3.
indicating removal or release
disembowel
disburden
4.
expressing intensive force
dissever
Word origin
from Latin dis- apart; in some cases, via Old French des-. In compound words of Latin origin, dis- becomes dif- before f and di- before some consonants
dis- in British English2
combining form
variant of di-1
dissyllable
Dis in American English
(dɪs)
noun
1.
the god of the lower world; Pluto
2.
the lower world; Hades
Word origin
L, contr. < dives, rich, transl. of Gr Ploutōn, Pluto
dis in American English1
(dɪs)
verb transitiveWord forms: dissed or ˈdissing Slang
1.
to show disrespect for; insult
2.
to express strong disapproval of; condemn
dis in American English2
1.
discount
2.
distance
dis- in American English
(dɪs; in some words, dɪz)
1. forming verbs
a.
away, apart
dismiss, disperse
b.
to deprive of, expel from
disfrock, disbar
c.
to cause to be the opposite of
disable
d.
to fail, cease, refuse to
dissatisfy, disappear, disallow
e.
to do the opposite of
disjoin, disintegrate
, also used as an intensifier [disannul]
2. forming adjectives
not, the opposite of, un-
dishonest, dissatisfied, displeasing
3. forming nouns
opposite of, lack of
disease, disunion
▶ USAGE: In words of Latin origin it becomes di- before b, d, g, l, m, n, r, or v; and dif- before f
Word origin
< ME or OFr or L; OFr des- < L dis- < IE *dis- (< *dwis-, twice, in two < base *dwi-: see bi-1) > OE te-, OHG zi-, Goth dis-
Examples of 'dis' in a sentence
dis
`Encouragement where it's functional, dis couragement where it's not.
Stewart, Michael GRACE (2002)
I brought dis for you fom my church,' she said, handing me a leaflet.
Robert Wilson A DARKENING STAIN (2002)
He had no idea what had dis turbed him, but he was instantly alert.
Harcourt, Palma A MATTER OF CONSCIENCE (2002)
You kin cure whooping cough wif dis flower if you ain't got nothin ' better handy.