Essential Opposite Words: Dis- Prefix Pairs You Should Know
The dis- prefix is one of the most productive ways to form antonyms in English. By learning key verb pairs, you can understand meanings faster and express ideas with greater precision. This guide breaks down seven common pairs with simple explanations and practical examples.
What the Prefix “Dis-” Does
The prefix dis- generally signals:
- opposite meaning
- negative action
- reversal of a state
Recognizing this pattern helps you interpret unfamiliar words more easily.
1. Agree / Disagree
- agree → share the same view
- disagree → hold a different view
Example:
Researchers agree on the basic theory but disagree on details.
2. Like / Dislike
- like → feel favorably toward something
- dislike → feel unfavorably or have an aversion
Example:
Some readers like direct explanations, while others dislike short summaries.
3. Continue / Discontinue
- continue → maintain an action
- discontinue → stop offering or producing
Example:
The company will continue support for the latest version but discontinue the older model.
4. Approve / Disapprove
- approve → accept or permit
- disapprove → reject or express negative judgment
Example:
The committee approved the budget, though some members disapproved of certain expenses.
5. Obey / Disobey
- obey → follow instructions
- disobey → ignore or violate instructions
Example:
Employees must obey safety rules; ignoring them is considered disobeying policy.
6. Satisfy / Dissatisfy
- satisfy → meet expectations
- dissatisfy → fail to meet expectations
Example:
Quick responses satisfy users; long delays often dissatisfy them.
Why Learning in Opposite Pairs Works
Studying vocabulary in pairs helps you:
- Strengthen recall through contrast
- Build deeper understanding of meaning
- Expand your writing range in a structured way
- Improve reading fluency, especially in academic texts