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 #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-knowing 

All-fearing 

All-eating

All-seeing

All-encompassing

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

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

DIALECT

Possible Answers:

Conversation 

Speech 

Idiom 

Lesson 

Word 

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

Interesting

Equivalent

Somber

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

Dull

Affable

Enraged

Bright

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 #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.

SERVILE

Possible Answers:

Butler 

Subservient

Disgusting 

Sequinned 

Tunic 

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 #112 : 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:

Water

Realize 

Harmonize 

Sermonize 

Despise 

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 #113 : 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:

Writing on a single topic 

Living a habitual life

Controlling every means of production

Having only one friend 

Singing in an even tone

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

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

ABSENT

Possible Answers:

Missing 

Sensible 

Brittle 

Wily 

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. 

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

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

CIRCUMFERENCE

Possible Answers:

Condition 

Understanding 

Perimeter 

Side

Division 

Correct answer:

Perimeter 

Explanation:

A "circumference" is the length of a line that goes around something or that makes a circle or other round shape or the outer edge of a shape or area. We can get this meaning from the prefix "circum-," which usually means around, as in the word "circumnavigate," which means go around something. A "perimeter" is the outside edge of an area or surface, so it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "circumference."

Example Question #116 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

ABSCOND

Possible Answers:

Run away 

Bring forth 

Send for 

Keep apart 

Come together

Correct answer:

Run away 

Explanation:

The prefix ab- means away from, as in “absent,” which means not here, or “absolve,” which means to take away blame. In this instance the word “abscond” means to run away

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