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noun

dyslexia

dihs-LEHK-see-uh

Dyslexia (noun) means a learning difficulty that makes reading, spelling, and writing more difficult, despite normal intelligence. Example: “He was diagnosed with dyslexia in primary school and later thrived with extra support.”

noun
1
A learning difficulty that makes reading, spelling, and writing more difficult, despite normal intelligence.
"He was diagnosed with dyslexia in primary school and later thrived with extra support."

How to use dyslexia

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA condition that makes reading and writing harder to learn, unrelated to a person's intelligence.

Common pairings
diagnosed with dyslexia dyslexia support

Word forms

dyslexias plural

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He was diagnosed with _____ in primary school and later thrived with extra support.

Etymology

Coined in 1887 by German ophthalmologist Rudolf Berlin, from Greek dys- ("bad, difficult") and léxis ("word, diction").

Origin: German · First attested 1887

Class of 1887 dyslexia joined the language around 1887.
See the full Class of 1887 →

Antonyms

Related words

Rhymes for dyslexia

See all rhymes for dyslexia →

Frequently asked questions

What does “dyslexia” mean?

The word “dyslexia” means a learning difficulty that makes reading, spelling, and writing more difficult, despite normal intelligence. In plain terms, a condition that makes reading and writing harder to learn, unrelated to a person's intelligence.

How do you pronounce “dyslexia”?

“Dyslexia” is pronounced dihs-LEHK-see-uh (/(ˌ)dɪsˈlɛk.si.ə/ in IPA).

How do you use “dyslexia” in a sentence?

Here is “dyslexia” used in a sentence: “He was diagnosed with dyslexia in primary school and later thrived with extra support.”

What is the opposite of “dyslexia”?

The opposite of “dyslexia” — its antonyms — is hyperlexia.

What part of speech is “dyslexia”?

“Dyslexia” is a noun.

Where does the word “dyslexia” come from?

The word “dyslexia” dates back to around 1887 and comes from German. Coined in 1887 by German ophthalmologist Rudolf Berlin, from Greek dys- ("bad, difficult") and léxis ("word, diction").

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