What does the root word "path" signify?

The root word "path" originates from the Greek word "pathos," which signifies "feeling" or "suffering." This root appears in various English words, such as "sympathy" (feeling with), "empathy" (feeling into), and "pathology" (the study of disease, often related to the feelings or conditions of health). Understanding that "path" relates to feelings helps in comprehending the nuances of words that use this root. This association is foundational in both psychological and medical contexts, where the study of feelings and conditions plays a crucial role.