SSAT Middle Level Verbal : SSAT Middle Level Verbal

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SSAT Middle Level Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #103 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

BELLICOSE

Possible Answers:

Affable

Militant

Serene

Amenable 

Tranquil

Correct answer:

Militant

Explanation:

"Bellicose" means eager to fight. "Amenable" and "affable" mean agreeable and likable, respectively. You can eliminate them because they have such similar meanings. "Tranquil" and "serene" both mean peaceful, so you can eliminate them. Or, if you know that the Latin root "belli-" means war, you may be able to figure out that "bellicose" means war-like. "Militant" means aggressive, therefore it has the closest meaning to "bellicose."

Example Question #104 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

COALESCE

Possible Answers:

Join

Oppose

Shrink

Enter

Fall

Correct answer:

Join

Explanation:

“Coalesce” means come together. It is helpful to remember that the prefix "co-" often means together or joined as in "cooperation" or "cofounded."

Example Question #111 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

OMNIVOROUS

Possible Answers:

All-encompassing

All-seeing

All-knowing 

All-eating

All-fearing 

Correct answer:

All-eating

Explanation:

An animal which is “omnivorous” is an animal that eats both other animals and plants. To help, "omni-" usually means all when it is used as a prefix. From this, we can tell that “omnivorous” means all-eating or all-devouring. "Encompassing” means including or covering, so it is wrong. If you are all-knowing you are said to be “omniscient.” 

Example Question #1271 : Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

DIALECT

Possible Answers:

Lesson 

Speech 

Idiom 

Word 

Conversation 

Correct answer:

Idiom 

Explanation:

A “dialect” is non standard speech or speech that is specific to a region. People from New York and Kentucky may speak different “dialects.” A similar word to “dialect,” is “idiom” which refers to words and phrases informally used in particular places. Try not to mistake “dialect” for “dialogue,” which means a conversation between two or more people. Remember that the prefix "dia-" generally means across and that "lect," whether used as a prefix or suffix, refers to “speech,” such as in the word "lecture."

Example Question #113 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

SYNONYMOUS

Possible Answers:

Different

Loud

Somber

Interesting

Equivalent

Correct answer:

Equivalent

Explanation:

"Synonymous" means expressing or implying the same idea; having the character of a synonym. "Equivalent" is the best answer choice, as it means equal or the same.

Example Question #114 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

LUMINOUS

Possible Answers:

Lethargic

Enraged

Bright

Dull

Affable

Correct answer:

Bright

Explanation:

The best answer choice is "bright." The definition of "luminous" is radiating or reflecting light. This can be derived from the definition of "illuminate," which means to brighten or light up

Example Question #115 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

SERVILE

Possible Answers:

Subservient

Disgusting 

Tunic 

Sequinned 

Butler 

Correct answer:

Subservient

Explanation:

If you are “servile,” you are obedient and trying very hard to please. If you are “subservient,” you are very willing to obey someone. “Servile” and “subservient” are synonyms and are both linked to the root word "serve." To clarify the other terms, “sequinned” means ornamented with sequins, which are small reflective discs; a “tunic” is a garment that is worn like a cloak or a dress; “disgusting” means gross

Example Question #111 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

PONTIFICATE

Possible Answers:

Despise 

Water

Sermonize 

Harmonize 

Realize 

Correct answer:

Sermonize 

Explanation:

To “pontificate” is to speak about something in a way that shows you think you are always right. The word comes from the root “pontiff” meaning pope, so it means to talk like the Pope. If you “sermonize,” then you give advice on moral behavior to someone. To clarify the other terms, “harmonize” is to combine in a pleasing way; to “despise” is to hate.  

Example Question #112 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

MONOGRAPH

Possible Answers:

Singing in an even tone

Writing on a single topic 

Having only one friend 

Living a habitual life

Controlling every means of production

Correct answer:

Writing on a single topic 

Explanation:

The prefix mono- means one, and the suffix -graph means related to writing so a “monograph” is writing on one topic. To provide further help, “habitual” means done through habit, done regularly

Example Question #21 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

ABSENT

Possible Answers:

Wily 

Missing 

Brittle 

Sensible 

Derided 

Correct answer:

Missing 

Explanation:

The prefix ab- means away so you can infer that the meaning of the word “absent” probably has something to do with being away. To be “absent” means to be “missing,” which is similar to being away. To provide further help, “derided” means mocked, made fun of; “wily” means crafty, clever, creative in a sneaky sense; “brittle” means fragile, easily broken; if you are “sensible,” it means you have and exhibit good sense, and you make the right decisions. 

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