What does the prefix 'dis-' often indicate?

The prefix 'dis-' often indicates the meaning of 'opposite' or 'not.' When added to a word, it conveys a sense of negation or reversal. For instance, in the words 'disagree' and 'dislike,' the prefix alters the base word to indicate the opposite of what the root word suggests. This is a common linguistic pattern in English that helps to expand vocabulary by demonstrating how adding prefixes can change the meaning of existing words. Understanding that 'dis-' signals an opposite meaning is crucial for interpreting and using words effectively in both reading and writing contexts.