What does the prefix mis mean as in words misanthrope mistake and misogyny?

The prefix "mis-" in words like "misanthrope," "mistake," and "misogyny" means "wrong," "bad," "ill," or "not." It indicates a negative or incorrect action, feeling, or condition.

Here's a breakdown of how "mis-" works in each example:

* Misanthrope: A person who dislikes or distrusts humankind. "Mis-" here suggests a negative feeling towards people.

* Mistake: An error or wrong action. "Mis-" emphasizes the incorrect nature of the action.

* Misogyny: Hatred or prejudice against women. "Mis-" signifies a negative and harmful attitude towards women.

Essentially, "mis-" adds a sense of negativity or incorrectness to the root word, creating a word with a contrasting meaning.