Which suffix means disease or suffering?

• A. itis
• B. pathy
• C. trophy
• D. pnea

Answer: (B)

The suffix that signals disease or suffering is -pathy. It comes from a Greek root meaning suffering or disease and is used to name a disease condition affecting a specific part or in a general sense, as in neuropathy (nerve disease) or cardiopathy (heart disease). This differs from -itis, which means inflammation; -trophy, which refers to growth or development; and -pnea, which means breathing. So -pathy is the best fit for indicating a disease or condition.