Which suffix means 'condition of'?

• A. -ism
• B. -itis
• C. -pathy
• D. -oma

Answer: (A)

Think about how these suffixes turn a root into a noun that names a state or condition. The suffix -ism is used in medical terms to denote a condition or state resulting from a process, as in hypothyroidism—the condition of having an underactive thyroid. That sense is what this item is testing.

Other suffixes here have different specific meanings: -itis denotes inflammation (dermatitis is inflammation of the skin), -pathy indicates disease or suffering of a part (neuropathy is disease of the nerves), and -oma means a tumor or mass (melanoma is a pigmented skin tumor). So -ism best fits the idea of “condition of.”