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 #35 : Synonyms: Roots

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

PHILANTHROPY

Possible Answers:

Growth

Charity

Knowledge

Repetition

Originality

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:

Glimmering

Weak

Talkative

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:

Imaginary

Dignified

Agreeable

Ruined

Gullible

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:

Theft

Degree

Question

Usage

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 #131 : 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:

Glib

Orthodox

Wise

Same

Different

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 From Latin

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

BELLICOSE

Possible Answers:

Narrow

Causal

Morbid

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 From Latin

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

INVIGORATE

Possible Answers:

Energize

Shake

Offer

Relinquish

Exhaust

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 From Latin

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

AMORPHOUS

Possible Answers:

Flexible

Distinct

Audacious

Vague

Limber

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 #45 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

FORTIFY

Possible Answers:

Trap

Encase

Strengthen

Weaken

Delineate

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 #46 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

PERFORATE

Possible Answers:

Impale

Administer

Wield

Deviate

Puncture

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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