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 #33 : Synonyms: Roots

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

NEBULOUS

Possible Answers:

Hospitable 

Derelict 

Dismantle 

Hazy 

Dovetail

Correct answer:

Hazy 

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Mistaken

Dead

Dilapidated

Perceivable

Harmless

Correct answer:

Harmless

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Repetition

Originality

Charity

Growth

Knowledge

Correct answer:

Charity

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Talkative

Glimmering

Weak

Stingy

Frightful

Correct answer:

Talkative

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Agreeable

Gullible

Imaginary

Ruined

Dignified

Correct answer:

Gullible

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Usage

Degree

Question

Theft

Remedy

Correct answer:

Remedy

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Different

Wise

Glib

Same

Orthodox

Correct answer:

Different

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Morbid

Causal

Narrow

Hostile

Beautiful

Correct answer:

Hostile

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Offer

Exhaust

Shake

Energize

Relinquish

Correct answer:

Energize

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Audacious

Distinct

Vague

Limber

Flexible

Correct answer:

Vague

Explanation:

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

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