More word fun - nonexistent opposites

Parent Cafe
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<p>I think the poster on the misspelled/misused words thread is right–the members of this forum love language.</p>

<p>What are the words we should have in English but don’t? I’m thinking of words that cease to become real words when you subtract a prefix that creates an opposite (for example, dis- or un-).</p>

<p>I wrote recently about a disgruntled parent, but I don’t believe I’ve ever met a gruntled individual.</p>

<p>And I have a small minority of unruly students. Do ruly students comprise the rest of the class?</p>

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<p>Uncouth – couth</p>

<p>But another weird thing is flammable and inflammable – they mean the same.</p>

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<p>I wouldn’t disparage a disparate group of disciples.</p>

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<p>How about the optimistic and illusioned youth, who are not yet disillusioned?</p>

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<p>My hair was disheveled this morning but I combed it and now it is sheveled.</p>

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<p>Good thread: Makes me feel appointed, turbed, and gusted; sure hope that everyone finds this toward.</p>

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<p>Why is it that when we feel happy we are contented? Shouldn’t we be protented?</p>

<p>Also, how is it that we can contest and protest a decision and be doing the same thing either way?</p>

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<p>Funny thread.</p>

<p>wharfrat - con is latin for with (I only know that from my medical days) - so contented is what I am when I’m not on a diet – “with tent.”</p>