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

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

PHILANTHROPY

Possible Answers:

Knowledge

Charity

Repetition

Originality

Growth

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

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

VERBOSE

Possible Answers:

Weak

Frightful

Stingy

Glimmering

Talkative

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

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

CREDULOUS

Possible Answers:

Imaginary

Gullible

Dignified

Agreeable

Ruined

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

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

PANACEA

Possible Answers:

Remedy

Usage

Theft

Degree

Question

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

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

HETEROGENEOUS

Possible Answers:

Same

Glib

Wise

Different

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

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

BELLICOSE

Possible Answers:

Hostile

Morbid

Causal

Beautiful

Narrow

Correct answer:

Hostile

Explanation:

"Bellicose" means hostile or eager to fight. The Latin root word, "bellum" means war.

Example Question #137 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

INVIGORATE

Possible Answers:

Offer

Shake

Relinquish

Exhaust

Energize

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

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

AMORPHOUS

Possible Answers:

Vague

Distinct

Limber

Audacious

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

Example Question #139 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

FORTIFY

Possible Answers:

Delineate

Encase

Trap

Weaken

Strengthen

Correct answer:

Strengthen

Explanation:

"Fortify" means strengthen, so "strengthen" is the correct answer. "Fortify" is derived from the Latin word "fortis," which means strong; English words like "fort" and "fortitude" are derived from the same root.

Example Question #140 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

PERFORATE

Possible Answers:

Deviate

Puncture

Impale

Wield

Administer

Correct answer:

Puncture

Explanation:

The prefix "per-" means through or go through, so “perforate” means to make a hole through something, or “puncture.” To provide further help, “wield” means carry and use as a weapon; “administer” means manage or oversee; “impale” means stab, which is close in meaning to “perforate,” but not the closest; finally, "deviate" means vary from a path, plan, or trajectory.

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