this post was submitted on 21 Feb 2026
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Is there an intuitive way to tell the difference?
I tried to think of other places where dis- vs mis- is used, but we only ever seem to use one:
Like Venator said, misinformation is where someone spreads false information that they incorrectly believed was true. Disinformation is when someone spreads false information that they know is false with the intent to deceive.
Misunderstood ia when you thought you understood something but accidentally did not. Disunderstood is when you understood something but pretend that you didn't.
Missinformation is when someone publishes information that is incorrect due to a mistake, such as believing outdated or retracted research, disinformation is when you publish information that you know is false with the intention of deceit.
In both cases the information is false, the only difference would be the intention of the publisher.