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Confusables Entry 1063 / 1350 60-second read

Hyper- vs. Hypo-

Above or excessive versus below or deficient.

The comparisoni

✗ Wrong

A hypothermic patient is overheating.

✓ Correct

A hypothermic patient has dangerously low body temperature.

The ruleii

HYPER- = too much. HYPO- = too little.

HYPER- means above, over, or excessive (hypertension = high BP). HYPO- means below, under, or insufficient (hypothermia = low temp, hypoglycemia = low sugar). Opposites.

Memory aidiii

Remember it like this

HyPEr = UP. HyPO = low.

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