The word “pathology” (/pəˈθɒlədʒi/) is a noun that frequently appears in IELTS Reading passages, especially those related to healthcare and biology. Understanding its meaning and usage is crucial for achieving a high score in your IELTS exam.
Here are some synonyms for “pathology”:
- Disease: /dɪˈziːz/ (noun) – a disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that produces specific signs or symptoms or that affects a specific location and is not simply a direct result of physical injury
- Example: The doctor diagnosed her with a rare disease.
- Sickness: /ˈsɪknəs/ (noun) – the state of being ill.
- Example: He couldn’t come to work due to sickness.
- Illness: /ˈɪlnəs/ (noun) – a disease or period of sickness affecting the body or mind.
- Example: She has been suffering from a chronic illness.
Here are some antonyms for “pathology”:
- Health: /hɛlθ/ (noun) – the state of being free from illness or injury.
- Example: He was in excellent health.
- Wellness: /ˈwɛlnəs/ (noun) – the state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal.
- Example: She practices yoga and meditation for her overall wellness.
Understanding “Pathology”
Definitions and Usage
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The study of disease: This is the most common meaning of “pathology.” It refers to the scientific study of the causes and effects of disease or injury.
- Example: Pathology plays a vital role in understanding the mechanisms of cancer.
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The development of disease: In some contexts, “pathology” can also refer to the origin and development of a disease.
- Example: The pathology of Alzheimer’s disease is still not fully understood.
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A manifestation of disease: Occasionally, “pathology” can be used to describe a specific symptom or abnormality caused by a disease.
- Example: The biopsy revealed several pathologies in the tissue sample.
Pronunciation and Word Form
- Pronunciation: /pəˈθɒlədʒi/
- Word Form: Noun (plural: pathologies)
“Pathology” in IELTS
IELTS Reading
“Pathology” frequently appears in IELTS Reading passages related to:
- Medicine and healthcare
- Biology
- Psychology
- Public health
You may encounter “pathology” in various contexts, including:
- Describing the focus of a research study
- Explaining the cause of a particular condition
- Discussing the symptoms of a disease
Here’s an example from an IELTS Reading passage:
“The pathology of heart disease is complex and involves a number of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and environmental influences.”
IELTS Listening
While less common than in Reading, “pathology” might appear in IELTS Listening sections related to:
- Medical consultations
- Lectures on health topics
- News reports on health issues
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IELTS Writing
While it’s less common to use “pathology” directly in your Writing responses, understanding the concept can help you:
- Paraphrase effectively
- Demonstrate a wider vocabulary range in Task 2 essays on health topics
Sample Sentences for IELTS
Here are some examples of how you can use “pathology” in different IELTS sections:
- Speaking Part 3: “I think advances in pathology have been crucial for developing new treatments for diseases like cancer.”
- Listening Section 2: (Medical consultation) “The doctor explained that the pathology report showed no signs of malignancy.”
- Reading Passage: “The study aimed to investigate the pathology of chronic fatigue syndrome in young adults.”
Collocations with “Pathology”
- Clinical pathology: The branch of pathology dealing with the laboratory analysis of bodily fluids and tissues.
- Anatomical pathology: The branch of pathology that deals with the examination of tissues to diagnose disease.
- Speech pathology: The study and treatment of speech disorders.
- Plant pathology: The scientific study of diseases in plants.
Idioms and Phrases
While there aren’t many idioms directly using “pathology,” here’s a phrase that conveys a similar meaning:
- Root cause: The fundamental reason for the occurrence of a problem or event.
- Example: “The researchers are trying to understand the root cause of the disease outbreak.”
Conclusion
Mastering the vocabulary related to health and medicine is crucial for achieving success in the IELTS exam. By understanding the meaning, usage, and collocations of “pathology,” you’ll be well-equipped to tackle a wider range of questions and demonstrate a more sophisticated vocabulary. Continue to expand your vocabulary by exploring related terms and practicing their application in various IELTS contexts.