di-
Meaning two, apart
Di- is a prefix meaning two, twice, or double: dioxide, dichotomy, dilemma.
In chemistry, it indicates two atoms or groups: carbon dioxide contains two oxygen atoms.
The prefix appears in words from Greek and Latin, often interchangeable with bi-, though di- dominates in scientific terminology.
Binary compound, two oxygens
- dichotomyDivision into contrasting parts
- dilemmaForced choice between undesirables
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- bilateralInvolving two parties
bipartisan · diphthong · dipole · dimer · dyad · dual · duality · duplex
Separate into parts
- divergeSeparate into directions
- digressStray from the topic
- diffuseSpread thinly throughout
- disperseCause to spread apart
distribute · disseminate · dissect · dissociate · divorce · divert · dilute · diffract
To break a connection
- dislikeMild negative regard
- disagreeHold a contrary opinion
- disapproveJudge as wrong
- disallowRefuse to permit
disbelief · distrust · discomfort · displeasure · disrespect · dishonest · disloyal · disobey
Separate into parts
- dismantleSeparate into parts
- disentangleFree from snarls
- disbandFormally end a group
- disrobeRemove worn garments
dislodge · disinherit · disestablish · disintegrate · dissolve · dispossess · dislocate · displace
dioxide
Binary compound, two oxygens
- dichotomyDivision into contrasting parts
- dilemmaForced choice between undesirables
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
bilateral · bipartisan · diphthong · dipole · dimer · dyad · dual · duality · duplex · double
divide
Separate into parts
disperse · distribute · disseminate · dissect · dissociate · divorce · divert · dilute · diffract · dispel
disconnect
To break a connection
- dislikeMild negative regard
- disagreeHold a contrary opinion
- disapproveJudge as wrong
disallow · disbelief · distrust · discomfort · displeasure · disrespect · dishonest · disloyal · disobey · disown
disassemble
Separate into parts
- dismantleSeparate into parts
- disentangleFree from snarls
- disbandFormally end a group
disrobe · dislodge · disinherit · disestablish · disintegrate · dissolve · dispossess · dislocate · displace · disburse