To DISCERN is to distinguish something apart from its surroundings or background.
To DISMISS a servant is to send him away.
To DISTRIBUTE money is to allot it in different directions.
To DISAGREE is not to agree.
The literal and actual meaning of DIFFICULT is "not easy".
DIFFIDENT means lacking in self-confidence. The literal meaning is "not trusting".
A DIFFERENCE of opinion suggests that the opinions are "carried in different directions".
The original meaning of DIFFUSE suggests the pouring out of liquids so that they spread in different directions.
Also: disclaim, discount, disembark, dispel, disentangle, disintegrate, dispense, disperse, disappear, discomfort, discomposure, dissatisfied, and many others.
SPELLING: When the prefix DIS- is followed by an "s" or "f", the consonant doubles; for example, dissatisfied and difficult. Otherwise there will be only one "s", as in disembark, dispel, and disagree (plus many others).
