Definition

A condition where the tonsils are swollen and inflamed, often causing sore throat and difficulty swallowing.

Example

The doctor diagnosed her with tonsillitis after she complained of a sore throat.

Conversation

Hey, I heard you were feeling under the weather this week.

Yeah, I think I have tonsillitis.

That sounds painful! Have you seen a doctor yet?

Not yet, but I’m planning to go if it doesn’t get better soon.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Tonsillitis** → It is formed from "tonsilla" (from Latin, meaning tonsil) and "-itis" (from Greek, meaning inflammation). The word "tonsillitis" refers to the inflammation of the tonsils.

Memory Tip

Think of 'tonsilla' which refers to the tonsils, and '-itis' meaning inflammation — so tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils.

Visually Confused Words