Prefix 'dis-' and Antonym Formation

The task is to find the word from the options provided that is not an antonym formed by adding the prefix 'dis-' to another word. The prefix 'dis-' typically means 'not', 'opposite of', or 'apart'. We need to analyze each option based on its base word and how the prefix 'dis-' affects its meaning in relation to the base word.

Word Formation: Analyzing 'dis-' Prefix Options

Let's examine how each word uses the prefix 'dis-':

'Disagree' and 'Discredit': Antonym Examples

These words demonstrate the prefix 'dis-' successfully creating a direct antonym:

• Disagree: This word is formed by adding the prefix 'dis-' to the base word 'agree'. 'Agree' signifies having the same opinion, while 'disagree' means to hold a different opinion. Thus, 'disagree' is the direct antonym of 'agree'. The word formation can be represented as: agree + \text{dis-} \rightarrow disagree.
• Discredit: This word is formed from the base word 'credit'. 'Credit' can mean to believe, acknowledge, or give reputation. 'Discredit' means to harm reputation or to refuse belief. Therefore, 'discredit' functions as an antonym to 'credit' in these contexts. The formation is: credit + \text{dis-} \rightarrow discredit.

'Discolour': A Process, Not a Direct Antonym

Let's consider the word 'Discolour':

• Discolour: This word uses the base word 'colour'. Adding the prefix 'dis-' results in 'discolour', meaning to lose colour or fade. While 'dis-' indicates a change or loss related to colour, 'discolour' is not generally considered a direct antonym of 'colour' itself. It describes a process or a state of losing colour rather than a simple opposite state. The formation is: colour + \text{dis-} \rightarrow discolour.

'Discrepancy': Root Meaning and Formation

Now, let's analyze 'Discrepancy':

• Discrepancy: This word originates from the Latin verb 'discrepare', meaning 'to differ'. It is not formed by adding the prefix 'dis-' to a common, standalone English word like 'crepancy' to create an opposite meaning. The word 'discrepancy' itself signifies a difference or lack of consistency. There is no base word 'crepancy' in standard English that 'dis-' negates to form an antonym.

Non-Antonym Identification with Prefix 'dis-'

Based on our analysis of word formation:

• 'Disagree' is formed using 'dis-' as an antonym of 'agree'.
• 'Discredit' is formed using 'dis-' as an antonym of 'credit'.
• 'Discolour' describes a process related to colour, not a direct antonym of 'colour'.
• 'Discrepancy' signifies a difference intrinsically and is not formed by adding 'dis-' to a base word to create an antonym.

Therefore, 'Discrepancy' is the word that does not fit the pattern of being an antonym formed by adding the prefix 'dis-' to another word.