dis-, dys-
Although these prefixes are homonyms, they are not interchangeable.
The etymology of the prefix dis- comes from Latin, with an original meaning of apart. It’s root word, dwis, is related to duo and to bis, with a meaning of two ways.
Today, the prefix dis- means opposite or opposite of.
The etymology of dys- comes from Ancient Greek, with an original meaning of bad, evil, ill.
Today, the prefix dys- means bad, ill; hard, difficult; or abnormal, imperfect.
Do not hyphenate after the prefix in most cases. For hyphenation rules, see hyphen.
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