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The Unfortunate Dys

By Sharon

The prefix dys- derives from the Greek and has a number of unfavourable meanings. In Greek, using this prefix denoted the opposite of anything that was easy, favourable or fortunate, according to the Oxford Dictionary of Etymology.

Connotations include: impaired, defective, difficult, slow, wrong, ill, harsh, disordered and bad.

There are a number of common words which use this prefix:

• dyscalcluia: difficulty in solving mathematical problems
• dysentery: an intestinal disorder
• dysfunction: abnormal or impaired function; hence, dysfunctional
• dysgraphia: inability to write correctly because of impairment in brain function
• dyskinesia: impairment of the the ability to make voluntary movements
• dyslexia: difficulty with processing written language, resulting in reading and spelling difficulties

A longer list is available on the WordQuests site.

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Full post as published by Daily Writing Tips on February 18, 2008 (boomark / email).