All SSAT Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #33 : Synonyms: Roots
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
NEBULOUS
Hospitable
Derelict
Dismantle
Hazy
Dovetail
Hazy
The prefix "neb-" means hazy or cloudy, so “nebulous” simply means hazy, uncertain, vague. To provide further help, “dovetail” means come together, merge; “dismantle” means take apart; “derelict” means broken down, dilapidated; “hospitable” means welcoming.
Example Question #34 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INNOCUOUS
Mistaken
Dead
Dilapidated
Perceivable
Harmless
Harmless
"Innocuous" means harmless. The Latin root word "noc" means harmful. The prefix "in-" means not.
Example Question #35 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PHILANTHROPY
Repetition
Originality
Charity
Growth
Knowledge
Charity
"Philanthropy" is an unselfish concern for the welfare of others. It is also the practice of performing charitable acts. The root word "philos" means love of, and the root word "anthro" means human.
Example Question #36 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VERBOSE
Talkative
Glimmering
Weak
Stingy
Frightful
Talkative
"Verbose" means talkative or characterized by the use of a lot of words. The Latin root word "verb" means word.
Example Question #37 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CREDULOUS
Agreeable
Gullible
Imaginary
Ruined
Dignified
Gullible
"Credulous" means too ready to believe or easily deceived. Thus, the best choice is the word "gullible." The root word "cred-" means believe.
Example Question #38 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PANACEA
Usage
Degree
Question
Theft
Remedy
Remedy
A "panacea" is a cure-all, so "remedy" is the best answer choice. The root word "pan" means all, and the root word "akes" means remedy.
Example Question #41 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HETEROGENEOUS
Different
Wise
Glib
Same
Orthodox
Different
The prefix "hetero-" means the opposite of the prefix "homo-." Whereas "homo-" means same, "hetero-" means different. “Heterogeneous” means consisting of different things and is often used to describe mixtures.
Example Question #42 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BELLICOSE
Morbid
Causal
Narrow
Hostile
Beautiful
Hostile
"Bellicose" means hostile or eager to fight. The Latin root word, "bellum" means war.
Example Question #43 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INVIGORATE
Offer
Exhaust
Shake
Energize
Relinquish
Energize
Invigorate means fill with health and energy, as you may be able to work out from the "in-" prefix, which is here not functioning as a negative one but instead one meaning to take in, and "vigor," which means energy or liveliness. "Energy" is the closest synonym amongst the provided answer choices.
Example Question #44 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AMORPHOUS
Audacious
Distinct
Vague
Limber
Flexible
Vague
The word root "morph" derives from the Greek for "form," and the prefix "a-" is a negative prefix. So “amorphous” means without form, or "vague." To provide further help, “distinct” means different and easily identifiable; “limber” means flexible; and “audacious” means bold or daring.
All SSAT Middle Level Verbal Resources
