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 #1281 : Synonyms

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

EPITAPH

Possible Answers:

Calculation

Comatose

Individual

Mathematical

Inscription

Correct answer:

Inscription

Explanation:

The prefix epi- means upon, on top of, and the word “epitaph” means writing upon a tombstone. This is closest in definition to “inscription,” which means writing or a dedication. To provide further help, “comatose” means in a coma-like state; an “individual” is one person.

Example Question #1282 : Synonyms

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

MONOSYLLABLE

Possible Answers:

Dialogue

Badger

Proclaim

Whistle

Grunt

Correct answer:

Grunt

Explanation:

The prefix mono- means one, and the word “monosyllable” means containing only one syllable. An example of a “monosyllable” sound is a grunt. To provide further help, “proclaim” means formally announce to a large group of people; “badger” means annoy; “dialogue” is conversation between two people

Example Question #121 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

OVERWHELMED

Possible Answers:

Insipid 

Barrage 

Aloof 

Inundated

Garrulous

Correct answer:

Inundated

Explanation:

The prefix "over-" means too much of, so we know that “overwhelmed” must mean completely taken over or emotionally overcome by something. The word closest in meaning to “overcome” or “taken over” is “inundated.” "Inundated" literally means flooded with water, but can also mean flooded with a great number of something. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "overwhelmed": “aloof” means distant; “insipid” means dull; “garrulous” means talkative; and “barrage” means a relentless bombardment.

Example Question #1284 : Synonyms

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

OBSTACLE

Possible Answers:

Impediment 

Auspicious 

Serendipitous

Unfortunate 

Recalcitrant 

Correct answer:

Impediment 

Explanation:

An “obstacle" is something that gets in the way or an impediment. This makes sense, as "obstacle" contains the prefix "ob," which can mean in the way of. "Impediment" is thus the correct answer. To provide further help, “recalcitrant” means wayward and disobedient; “serendipitous” means owed to chance or good fortune; “unfortunate” means not lucky; and “auspicious” means a favorable beginning that suggests at a good outcome.

Example Question #31 : Synonyms: Roots

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

TRANSPLANT

Possible Answers:

Portend 

Administer 

Relocate 

Lament 

Imply 

Correct answer:

Relocate 

Explanation:

The root "trans" in English can mean either go across or to change into a different state. An example of the former would be “transatlantic,” and an example of the latter would be “transform” or “transplant.” To “transplant” means to move to another place or to relocate. It is most commonly heard in English to refer to a surgical procedure where one person’s organs are relocated into another person, usually to save the latter’s life. To provide further help, “administer” means give someone a specific kind and amount of medicine; “portend” means foreshadow or forewarn of something bad; “lament” means mourn; and “imply” means suggest something without directly stating it.

Example Question #32 : Synonyms: Roots

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

AGITATE

Possible Answers:

Calm down 

Listen intently 

Go around 

Stir up 

Sit with 

Correct answer:

Stir up 

Explanation:

The prefix "ag-" (or "act-") means to make happen, to drive, to move. It can be seen in the words “agent,” which means the reason for making something happen, “action,” and “active.” “Agitate” means to stir up, to incite, to cause people to feel.

Example Question #33 : Synonyms: Roots

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

EGOIST

Possible Answers:

Flounder

Founder 

Philanthropist 

Individualist

Miser 

Correct answer:

Individualist

Explanation:

The prefix "ego-" means related to the self, related to I. An “egoist” is someone focused on the self or someone focused on the individual. It is closest in meaning to an “individualist.” To provide further help, a “philanthropist” is someone who gives to charity; a “miser” is someone who is stingy with money; “flounder” means struggle; “founder” means person who started a company or organization.

Example Question #32 : Synonyms: Roots

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

MALADJUSTED

Possible Answers:

Beneficial 

Unseemly 

Unbalanced 

Malodorous 

Benevolent 

Correct answer:

Unbalanced 

Explanation:

The prefix "mal-" means bad, so “maladjusted” means badly adjusted. When someone is “well-adjusted” it means they are comfortable with themselves and comfortable in society. On the other hand, someone who is “maladjusted” is uncomfortable or unbalanced. To provide further help, “beneficial” means helpful and “benevolent” means good-natured. The prefix "ben-" is often used as an opposite to the prefix "mal-." "Malodorous” means bad-smelling and “unseemly” means gross, unpleasant

Example Question #33 : Synonyms: Roots

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

NEBULOUS

Possible Answers:

Hazy 

Dismantle 

Dovetail

Derelict 

Hospitable 

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:

Dead

Mistaken

Dilapidated

Harmless

Perceivable

Correct answer:

Harmless

Explanation:

"Innocuous" means harmless. The Latin root word "noc" means harmful. The prefix "in-" means not.

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