We use phrases that start with the prefixes dis and un daily: Maybe you’ve instructed somebody you’re disappointed or unsatisfied or that your new footwear are unsnug. How do these letters change the which means of a phrase?
To start with, there are slight variations between the prefixes dis and un: Dis means “not” or “the alternative of” and is usually hooked up to the start of verbs to point the undoing of an motion. Un can even imply “not,” relying on the bottom phrase, however can even imply “disadvantaged of” or “to launch.”
Right here, we’ll dive into the variations between these two widespread prefixes and supply examples of the right way to use them in your writing.
When do you have to use the prefix dis?
Dis is a prefix added to the start of base phrases meaning “not” or “reverse of”; it may also be hooked up to verbs to indicate the undoing of an motion. The phrase disappear consists of the prefix dis and the verb seem, so its literal definition is “to not seem” or “doing the alternative of showing.”
Phrases with dis are generally known as negatives, that are phrases that present that one thing is unfaithful, nullified, or not occurring.
There are occasions when dis might look like the most effective prefix to make use of, however that may not at all times be the case. Take disorganized and unorganized: Each phrases point out that somebody or one thing will not be organized, however their implications are fairly totally different.
Somebody who’s described as disorganized will not be solely not organized—they might even be thought-about messy. The phrase unorganized merely means “the dearth of group.”
Take related care when selecting between dis and de. The adverse prefix de, like dis, is hooked up to the start of verbs to indicate the undoing of an motion, but it surely has a unique which means than dis relying on which base phrase is used.
We’ll use the phrase compose for example. After we say one thing decomposed, we imply it disintegrated, rotted, or separated into particular person elements. In distinction, discomposed means “to disturb” or “to destroy.”
When do you have to use the prefix un?
Connect the adverse prefix un to the start of a base phrase to alter its which means to “not,” “disadvantaged of,” or “launched from.”
Like phrases with dis, phrases with un are also referred to as negatives—phrases added to indicate that one thing is unfaithful, nullified, or not occurring.
Since un and dis each imply “not,” you would possibly assume that they’re interchangeable in circumstances like uninterested and disinterested, however there are guidelines on when to make use of them. When somebody says they’re tired of one thing, they often imply they’ve no real interest in studying extra about one thing; somebody who’s disinterested in one thing is neutral or unbiased.
Somebody who’s tired of sports activities very hardly ever watches sports activities, whereas somebody who’s disinterested in sports activities might watch sports activities however not root for a selected crew.
That stated, some individuals nonetheless use them interchangeably, and so they’re not technically flawed for doing so.
Un can be used with phrases which have suffixes—letters or teams of letters added to the top of a base phrase to create a brand new phrase. When that is performed, the ensuing phrase is an adjective.
Right here’s an instance: The phrase unstabilized consists of the prefix un, which means “not”; the verb stabilize, which means “to make regular”; and the suffix –ed. The ensuing phrase is an adjective meaning “not regular” or “not secure.”
30 generally used phrases with the prefix dis
- Disable
- Disagree
- Disappoint
- Disappear
- Disarm
- Disassemble
- Disavow
- Discard
- Discomfort
- Discourage
- Uncover
- Discredit
- Shame
- Disguise
- Dishonest
- Disinfect
- Disinterest
- Dislike
- Disobey
- Dysfunction
- Disown
- Disparity
- Displace
- Displease
- Disprove
- Disregard
- Disrespect
- Dissolve
- Distasteful
- Mistrust
30 generally used phrases with the prefix un
- Unable
- Unafraid
- Unappealing
- Unaware
- Uncomfortable
- Unusual
- Unconvinced
- Undo
- Unemployed
- Unfair
- Unfollow
- Sadly
- Unharmed
- Unimpressed
- Uninterested
- Unknown
- Illegal
- Unlikely
- Limitless
- Unpack
- Unpaid
- Unsaid
- Unselfish
- Unstated
- Unstoppable
- Untested
- Untie
- Premature
- Unfaithful
- Undesirable
8 examples of utilizing dis and un in a sentence
Listed here are 4 examples of the right way to use the prefix dis in a sentence:
- My brother’s room was so disorganized it was arduous to seek out the ground.
- My analysis associate took a disinterested strategy to the experiment.
- The surgical procedure left him in some discomfort, which lasted for 2 days.
- Antonio leaves adverse restaurant critiques when he’s dissatisfied with the service.
Listed here are 4 examples of the right way to use the prefix un in a sentence:
- Kate didn’t notice how sad she was till she left her associate.
- The crack left the merry-go-round very unstable.
- It took the barber ten minutes to untangle her shopper’s hair.
- These footwear are so tight that I can’t wait to untie the laces.
Tips on how to use dis and un FAQs
When do you have to use dis?
Use dis as a adverse prefix to alter the which means of the phrase to “not one thing” or “the alternative of one thing.” It may also be hooked up to the start of verbs to signify the undoing of an motion.
When do you have to use un?
Use un as a adverse prefix to imply “not one thing,” “launched from one thing,” or “disadvantaged of one thing.” When paired with a suffix similar to -ed or -able, the ensuing phrase is an adjective—unstabilized, for instance.
What are examples of widespread phrases utilizing un and dis?
Some widespread phrases utilizing un and dis are unorganized and disorganized, unhappy and dissatisfied, and uninterested and disinterested.
