SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Suffixes from Latin

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1242 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

EGOTIST

Possible Answers:

Wise person 

Calm person 

Conceited person 

Athletic person 

Selfless person 

Correct answer:

Conceited person 

Explanation:

An "egotist" is a selfish and conceited person. For clarification, "conceited" means self-obsessed and arrogant.

Example Question #1243 : Synonyms

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

LEGIBLE

Possible Answers:

Humorous

Rash

Intelligent

Readable

Energetic

Correct answer:

Readable

Explanation:

"Legible" means neat enough to be read and understood, so "readable" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "legible": "intelligent" means smart; "energetic" means lively or possessing a lot of energy; "rash" means reckless or careless; and "humorous" means funny.

Example Question #1244 : Synonyms

Synonyms

Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

PACIFY

Possible Answers:

surrender

dismiss

soothe

a baby's toy

agree

Correct answer:

soothe

Explanation:

"Pacify" means to soothe or ease.

Example Question #1245 : Synonyms

Each of the following questions consists of one word followed by five words or phrases. You are to select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

FORTIFY

Possible Answers:

inspire

serve

strengthen

win

bend

Correct answer:

strengthen

Explanation:

Fortify most nearly means strengthen as in "After the attack, the governor elected to fortify the city".

Example Question #1246 : Synonyms

Synonyms: choose the answer with the meaning closest to the word in question.

Unify

Possible Answers:

to impress

to extend

to bring together

to order

to separate

Correct answer:

to bring together

Explanation:

"Unify" means to bring together.

Example Question #1246 : Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

NULLIFY

Possible Answers:

Service 

Support 

Document

Invalidate 

Supplant

Correct answer:

Invalidate 

Explanation:

"Nullify" means to make something invalid or to cancel something, so the correct answer is “invalidate.” For clarification, "supplant" means replace.

Example Question #1248 : Synonyms

Synonyms: choose the answer with the meaning closest to the word in question.

Reasonable

Possible Answers:

Unfair

Honorable

Delicious

Logical

Irritating

Correct answer:

Logical

Explanation:

"Reasonable" means logical, rational, or possessing reason.

Example Question #1247 : Synonyms

Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

ILLUMINATE

Possible Answers:

Make unclear 

Make sad

Make clear 

Make happy 

None of those mentioned

Correct answer:

Make clear 

Explanation:

To illuminate something means to shed light on it, to make it clear. The part of the word -lum- generally refers to light or clarity as in illuminate, luminous, illumination, etc.

Example Question #1248 : Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

ANTAGONIZE

Possible Answers:

Barter

Ajar

Undermine

Provoke

Retreat

Correct answer:

Provoke

Explanation:

"Antagonize" means alienate or provoke, so "provoke" is the correct answer. "Undermine" means weaken. "Ajar" is an adjective that means slightly open. "Barter" is a verb that means trade or negotiate the price of an item. "Retreat" means withdraw or move back to a previous location.

Example Question #1251 : Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

VILIFY

Possible Answers:

Forgive 

Declare

Tighten 

Enlarge 

Abuse 

Correct answer:

Abuse 

Explanation:

If you “vilify” someone, you say or write harsh and critical things about them. It is related to the root word "villain." Remember that the suffix "-ify" means to make or invest with attributes. "Villify" is similar in meaning to "abuse," which means to treat harshly or unfairly. To clarify the other terms, “declare” means say publically; “enlarge” means get bigger.

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