GSS Etymology Practice Test

Which suffix means process?

-ation -ment -osis -ous

Correct Answer:

-osis

Explanation:

Suffix -osis comes from Greek and is used to name a process that leads to a state or condition. It’s common in medical terms to describe a process that results in a disease or ongoing condition, so words ending in -osis embody the idea of a process in action. For example, cirrhosis describes the process by which liver tissue becomes scarred, resulting in a chronic condition, and neurosis names a psychological state tied to underlying processes. Other endings lean toward describing actions or qualities rather than the ongoing process itself, which is why -osis is the best fit for “process” in this sense.

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