SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots to Identify Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #91 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

FANATICISM

Possible Answers:

Idealism

Imagination

Jive

Delicate

Zealotry

Correct answer:

Zealotry

Explanation:

“Fanaticism” is a fanatic outlook or fanatic behaviour. “Fanatic” means marked by excessive enthusiasm and often intense uncritical devotion. Both words share a link with the root “fan,” as in football fan. “Fanaticism” can also be called “zeal,” which is a strong feeling of interest and enthusiasm that makes someone very eager or determined to do something. If you show “zealous” behaviour then you are full of “zealotry.” To help you “idealism” is the attitude of a person who believes that it is possible to live according to very high standards of behavior and honesty. “Jive” means a type of fast lively dance or music that was especially popular in the early part of the twentieth century; it can also mean informal language that includes many slang terms.

Example Question #92 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

LISTLESS

Possible Answers:

Vivacious 

Vigorous 

Energetic 

Lethargic 

Cheerful 

Correct answer:

Lethargic 

Explanation:

"Listless" means lacking energy and enthusiasm and is therefore most similar in meaning to "lethargic." For clarification, the other four answer choice are all loosely synonyms of one another and antonyms of "listless" and "lethargic."

Example Question #93 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: choose the answer that is closest in meaning to the word in question.

Reckless

Possible Answers:

Crimson

Disabled

Destructive

Careless

Prudent

Correct answer:

Careless

Explanation:

"Reckless" means uncareful; Prudent means careful; Destructive means causing damage; Disabled means injured; and Crimson is a shade of red.

Example Question #1259 : Synonyms

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

GRUESOME

Possible Answers:

Wonderful

Middling 

Average

Medicore 

Horrible 

Correct answer:

Horrible 

Explanation:

Something that is "gruesome" is grotesque and horrible. For clarification, mediocre, middling and average are all synonyms that mean in the middle.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

BENEVOLENCE

Possible Answers:

Goodness 

Vice 

Evil 

Desire 

Malevolence 

Correct answer:

Goodness 

Explanation:

"Benevolence" means goodness; someone who is benevolent is virtuous. For clarification, "malevolence" is the antonym of benevolence and means evil or vice.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

CREDENTIALS

Possible Answers:

Misdemeanors 

Prospects 

Qualifications

Excessive

Requirements 

Correct answer:

Qualifications

Explanation:

“Credentials” are qualities that make a person suitable for a job or task. It is closest in meaning to "qualifications." To provide further help, “misdemeanors” are petty crimes, bad behavior; “prospects” are opportunities; “requirements” are things that are needed; “excessive” means too much

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

AUDIBLE

Possible Answers:

Able to be tasted 

Able to be seen 

None of these answers 

Able to be heard 

Able to be felt 

Correct answer:

Able to be heard 

Explanation:

Something that is "audible" is able to be heard. The prefix, aud-, generally refers to sound or hearing, as in audible or audio.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Roots

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

NEBULOUS

Possible Answers:

Astronomical

Hazy

Alien

Dusty

Definite

Correct answer:

Hazy

Explanation:

"Nebulous" means hazy or indistinct, so "hazy" is the correct answer.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

Synonyms: choose the word closest in meaning to the word in question.

VOCIFEROUS

Possible Answers:

Noisy

Vapid

Enlighten

Soft

Quiet

Correct answer:

Noisy

Explanation:

"Vociferous" is a synonym of noisy. It has the root "voc-" in it, which means voice and is found in words like vocal and advocate.

Words you may not know:

  • "Enlighten" means to make aware or to inform.
  • "Vapid" means lacking life or substance.

Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

SANCTIMONIOUS

Possible Answers:

Self-righteous 

Parsimonious

Pious 

Self-centered

Self-obsessed 

Correct answer:

Self-righteous 

Explanation:

Sanctimonious means self-righteous, or assured of one’s own superiority. So, "self-righteous" is the correct answer. Someone who is "self-centered" is very selfish, "pious" means religious, and "parismonious" means stingy.

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