All SSAT Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #24 : Synonyms: Roots
Synonyms: Select the word whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
CIRCUMFERENCE
Condition
Perimeter
Understanding
Division
Side
Perimeter
A "circumference" is the length of a line that goes around something or that makes a circle or other round shape or the outer edge of a shape or area. We can get this meaning from the prefix "circum-," which usually means around, as in the word "circumnavigate," which means go around something. A "perimeter" is the outside edge of an area or surface, so it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "circumference."
Example Question #24 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin
Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
ABSCOND
Keep apart
Come together
Run away
Bring forth
Send for
Run away
The prefix ab- means away from, as in “absent,” which means not here, or “absolve,” which means to take away blame. In this instance the word “abscond” means to run away.
Example Question #27 : Synonyms: Roots
Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
EPITAPH
Individual
Calculation
Comatose
Mathematical
Inscription
Inscription
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 #28 : Synonyms: Roots
Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
MONOSYLLABLE
Badger
Dialogue
Whistle
Grunt
Proclaim
Grunt
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 #25 : Synonyms: Roots
Synonyms: Select the word whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
OVERWHELMED
Aloof
Inundated
Insipid
Barrage
Garrulous
Inundated
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 #30 : Synonyms: Roots
Synonyms: Select the word whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
OBSTACLE
Auspicious
Recalcitrant
Impediment
Serendipitous
Unfortunate
Impediment
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 #2071 : Ssat Middle Level Verbal
Synonyms: Select the word whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
TRANSPLANT
Lament
Relocate
Imply
Administer
Portend
Relocate
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 #2072 : Ssat Middle Level Verbal
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
AGITATE
Calm down
Listen intently
Stir up
Go around
Sit with
Stir up
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 #2073 : Ssat Middle Level Verbal
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
EGOIST
Founder
Philanthropist
Miser
Individualist
Flounder
Individualist
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 #2074 : Ssat Middle Level Verbal
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
MALADJUSTED
Unbalanced
Beneficial
Benevolent
Unseemly
Malodorous
Unbalanced
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.
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All SSAT Middle Level Verbal Resources
