All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #2139 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DETECT
Solve
Sense
Argue
Engender
Miss
Sense
To "detect" is to discover or to identify the existence of something.
I detected the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg when I walked into my grandmother’s kitchen.
Do I detect a bit of sarcasm in your answer to my question?
So "sense" is the best choice.
Example Question #2140 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SCAN
Search
Clamor
Locate
Guide
Scatter
Search
To "scan" is to search thoroughly.
We scanned the horizon looking for any signs of an approaching storm.
So "search" is the best answer choice.
Example Question #2141 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EXACERBATE
Imigrate
Scrape
Harden
Shun
Worsen
Worsen
To "exacerbate" is to make a bad thing worse, whether it’s a problem, a situation, or an illness.
If you have the flu and you don’t rest, take your medicine, and drink your fluids, you’ll exacerbate your ailment.
So "worsen" is the answer.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Latin
Practice using word roots, prefixes, and suffixes to predict the meaning of a word. Choose the answer that reflects what the underlined part of the word means.
Eject
throw
belief
hear
look
across
throw
"Ject" usually means throw. Another example is "project."
Example Question #1 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Practice using word roots, prefixes, and suffixes to predict the meaning of a word. Choose the answer that reflects what the underlined part of the word means.
Polyglot
turn
both
light
many
speak
many
"Poly" usually means many. Another example is "polygon."
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Prefixes
Synonyms: choose the answer with the meaning closest to the word in question.
Intrepid
Final
Fearless
Broken
Pointed
Conversant
Fearless
"Intrepid" means fearless. The Latin root word, "trepidus," means fearful. The prefix "in" means not.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Latin
Synonyms: choose the word closest in meaning to the word in question.
INDELIBLE
Churned
Permanent
Linked
Tangible
Dehydrated
Permanent
"Indelible" means permanent. The prefix "in" means not, and the root "delere" means to destroy, so it makes sense that if something is "indelible," it is not be able to be destroyed, or permanent. So, "permanent" is the correct answer because it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "indelible."
Example Question #2 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
CIRCUMVENT
Bypass
Punch
Line
Confide
Elevate
Bypass
"Circumvent" means to go around or to bypass, so "bypass" is the correct answer. The root word circum means around, and ven means to come. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "circumvent": "punch" means to hit; "confide" means to tell secrets to; "elevate" means to lift; and "line" means to mark.
Example Question #1 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Synonyms: choose the answer closest in meaning to the word in question.
INDISTINCT
Lucid
Compliant
Fuzzy
Pliable
Notorious
Fuzzy
"Indistinct" means fuzzy or not clear. "Lucid" is the antonym; it means clear and easily distinguishable and seen. "Notorious" means well-known for bad qualities or manners. "Compliant" means obedient or submissive. "Pliable" means bendable and flexible.
Example Question #1 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MISANTHROPIC
Preventable
Prospective
Apparent
Hateful
Educated
Hateful
"Misanthropic" means hating humankind. The root word "anthro" means human, and the prefix "mis-" means wrong or incorrect. "Hateful" is thus the answer choice closest in meaning to "misanthropic."
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