Which meaning is associated with the suffix -ism?

Which meaning is associated with the suffix -ism?

• A. A process or condition
• B. Equal
• C. A specialist
• D. Inflammation

Answer: (A)

The suffix -ism turns a root into a noun that names a system, doctrine, practice, or state of being. It signals a process, condition, or belief rather than a person or a medical term. That’s why it best fits a meaning of a process or condition, as seen in words like alcoholism, capitalism, realism, or optimism. It doesn’t convey equality (not its function), it doesn’t indicate a specialist (that’s -ist), and it doesn’t denote inflammation (that’s -itis).

The suffix -ism turns a root into a noun that names a system, doctrine, practice, or state of being. It signals a process, condition, or belief rather than a person or a medical term. That’s why it best fits a meaning of a process or condition, as seen in words like alcoholism, capitalism, realism, or optimism. It doesn’t convey equality (not its function), it doesn’t indicate a specialist (that’s -ist), and it doesn’t denote inflammation (that’s -itis).