SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SSAT Upper Level Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #1901 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

DIFFUSE

Possible Answers:

Irregular

Disagreeable

Variant

Scattered

Dissimilar

Correct answer:

Scattered

Explanation:

The word “diffuse” comes from roots that literally mean poured away from. The “di-” prefix means away from or down from, and the “-fuse” means to pour. This latter is found in words like “infuse” (meaning, literally, to pour into) and “effusive” (meaning pouring out, implying that someone “pours out” a great amount of something like praise). As a verb, the word “diffuse” means to scatter or to spread out, as when one diffuses a smell into a room or when an idea diffuses through an entire population. The word can likewise be used as an adjective, basically having the meaning of the past participle of the word, namely “scattered.”

Example Question #2201 : Synonyms

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

PRECLUDE

Possible Answers:

Scan

Stop

Pester

Attend

Cooperate

Correct answer:

Stop

Explanation:

To "preclude" something is to stop it from happening. The prefix "pre-" means before, and the root word, "clud," means to close or to shut

Example Question #2202 : Synonyms

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

EQUIVOCAL

Possible Answers:

Nauseous

Ambiguous

Necessary

Fair

Adorned

Correct answer:

Ambiguous

Explanation:

"Equivocal" means ambiguous or allowing the possibility of different meanings. The prefix "equi-" means equal.

Example Question #2203 : Synonyms

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

IMMOBILE

Possible Answers:

Destined

Swollen

Precise

Loud

Motionless

Correct answer:

Motionless

Explanation:

"Immobile" means incapable of moving or being moved. The root word "mob" means move. The prefix, "im-," means not or without. Thus, the best answer choice is "motionless." 

Example Question #2204 : Synonyms

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

INDEFATIGABLE

Possible Answers:

Explanatory

Tireless

Versatile

Courageous

Misguided

Correct answer:

Tireless

Explanation:

"Indefatigable" means unable to be tired out. The best choice is "tireless." The prefix "in-" means not, and the Latin root word, "fatigare," means to tire. "Fatigare" is also the root for the word fatigue.  

Example Question #2205 : Synonyms

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

DISPARAGE

Possible Answers:

Avenge

Ingest

Hound

Emerge

Belittle

Correct answer:

Belittle

Explanation:

To "disparage" is to belittle. The root word, "parage," means equality, and the prefix, "dis-," means not.

Example Question #2206 : Synonyms

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

PROVENANCE

Possible Answers:

Blockage

Language

Participation

Style

Origin

Correct answer:

Origin

Explanation:

"Provenance" means origin. The root word, "ven," means come, and the prefix "pro-" means for or forward.

Example Question #2207 : Synonyms

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

OPPROBRIUM

Possible Answers:

Corrosion

Circus

Pleasantry 

Revelry

Disgrace

Correct answer:

Disgrace

Explanation:

"Opprobrium" means disgrace from shameful conduct. The Latin root word, "probum," means a shameful act. The prefix, "ob-," means against.

Example Question #2208 : Synonyms

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

IMPERVIOUS

Possible Answers:

Smooth

Mobile

Impenetrable

Stationary

Porous

Correct answer:

Impenetrable

Explanation:

"Impervious" means impenetrable.

Example Question #2209 : Synonyms

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

IGNOMINY

Possible Answers:

Accident

Pet

Perfection

Dishonor

Support

Correct answer:

Dishonor

Explanation:

"Ignominy" means dishonor or disgrace. The root word, "nom," means name. The prefix, "ig-," means without or not.

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