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 #1206 : Synonyms

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

AMBIDEXTROUS

Possible Answers:

Lost and found

Single-minded

Room temperature

Able to use both hands

Final competition

Correct answer:

Able to use both hands

Explanation:

If you are “ambidextrous,” you can use both hands with equal proficiency. It is linked to the word “dexterity,” which describes your ability to do things with your hands. The prefix "ambi-" means both or around, such as in the word "ambient."

Example Question #1207 : Synonyms

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

INFERTILE

Possible Answers:

Sequential 

Miserable 

Fraternal 

Barren 

Fecund 

Correct answer:

Barren 

Explanation:

The prefix "in-" is a negative prefix; it takes a word “fertile,” which means able to have children, and turns it into “infertile,” which has the opposite meaning of not able to have children. Another word for “infertile” is “barren.” As for the other answer choices, none are close in meaning to "infertile": “fecund” is another word for fertile; “miserable” means very sad; “sequential” means happening in sequence or happening in an order; and “fraternal” means having to do with brothers or brotherhood.

Example Question #41 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

POSTPARTUM

Possible Answers:

Afterlife 

After birth 

After marriage 

Afterwards 

After death 

Correct answer:

After birth 

Explanation:

The prefix post- means after, and the word fragment -partum- means related to birth. “Postpartum” means after birth.

Example Question #1209 : Synonyms

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

DISBAR

Possible Answers:

Praise 

Extol 

Laud 

Expel 

Commend 

Correct answer:

Expel 

Explanation:

The prefix "dis-" commonly means a negation of or to remove. In this instance, the word “disbar” means expel or banish from a group. Its original meaning was to take away the right of an attorney to practice law; however, it is now used to mean expel or remove from office. To help you, the other four answer choices are all synonyms of each other—they all mean offer praise about.

Example Question #41 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

DISQUIET

Possible Answers:

Noise

Composure 

Scare

Unease

Loudness

Correct answer:

Unease

Explanation:

"Dis-“ is commonly used to mean not in words; however, in this case it means away from while “quiet” means peace or tranquillity. “Disquiet” thus means an emotional state in which peace and tranquility have been taken away—that is, nervousness. The word closest in meaning to "disquiet" is thus “unease,” which is a feeling when you are not at ease—that is, not peaceful or tranquil. The incorrect answer “composure” means one's calmness during a high-stress situation and is thus an antonym of "unease."

Example Question #42 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

IGNOBLE

Possible Answers:

Parsimonious

Venerable 

Outlandish

Ostentatious 

Dishonorable

Correct answer:

Dishonorable

Explanation:

The prefix "ig-" is a negative prefix; this means it takes the original meaning of the word and causes it to mean the opposite. So, whereas “noble” means honorable, “ignoble” means not honorable, or "dishonorable." ("Dis-" is also a negative prefix having the same effect on the adjective "honorable.") To provide further help, “parsimonious” means not generous with money; “ostentatious” means pretentious and fancy; “outlandish” means bizarre or weird; and “venerable” means old and well-respected.

Example Question #43 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

INHOSPITABLE

Possible Answers:

Fortuitous

Infected

Habitable

Retractable

Harsh

Correct answer:

Harsh

Explanation:

“Inhospitable” describes environments and means not suitable to supporting life, so you could say an “inhospitable” place is “harsh.” To clarify, try not to confuse it with “hospital,” although the two words share the same root. “Habitable” refers to environments and means able to be lived in. “Retractable” means easily withdrawn or taken back.

Example Question #44 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

CERTITUDE

Possible Answers:

Absolute sureness

Recommendation

Revenue

Distrust

Emphasis

Correct answer:

Absolute sureness

Explanation:

"Certitude" means "Absolute Sureness" or freedom from doubt. "Certitude" comes from the Latin root "cert-" which means sure.

"Recommendation" means the act of presenting something or someone as worth of confidence, use, etc.

"Distrust" means to regard with doubt or not trust.

"Revenue" means the amount of money regularly coming in or income from a property, service or tax.

"Emphasis" means special stress laid upon something, or the act of giving something special importance.

Example Question #2001 : Ssat Middle Level Verbal

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

OMNISCIENT

Possible Answers:

False

Omnipotent

Original

Religious

Perceiving all things

Correct answer:

Perceiving all things

Explanation:

"Omniscient" means having unlimited awareness, so "perceiving all things" is the correct answer. The Latin root "omni-" means all.

"Religious" means related to a religion or related to a belief system that typically involves ritualistic practices.

"False" means not true or correct.

"Omnipotent" means unlimited power.

"Original" means pertaining to the beginning of something.

 

Example Question #2002 : Ssat Middle Level Verbal

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

ANTIQUATED

Possible Answers:

Modern

Anarchic

Post-modern

Antedeluvian

Analog

Correct answer:

Antedeluvian

Explanation:

"Antedeluvian" and "antiquated" have different latin prefixes (ante- meaning before and anti- meaning against). Nevertheless, these words are synonyms referring to a period of time before modernity. "Antiquated" and "antedeluvian" can mean outdated or old-fashioned. The other answer choices do not have this meaning.

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