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 #1 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Anglo Saxon

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

BESEECH

Possible Answers:

Combine

Beg

Familiarize

Direct

Warn

Correct answer:

Beg

Explanation:

"Beseech" means beg or ask someone to do something, so "beg" is the correct answer. "Combine" means blend or put together. "Direct" is a verb that means order or command. "Warn" means inform someone of a potential danger. "Familiarize" means become familiar with something or gain information about a person or topic.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Anglo Saxon

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

OUTFOX

Possible Answers:

Outdo

Underestimate

Outnumber

Outwit

Overlook

Correct answer:

Outwit

Explanation:

"Outfox" is a verb that means trick or defeat someone by being more clever than him or her, so we need to pick out a word that means trick using wits. While many of the answer choices also begin with "out," only "outwit" has a meaning similar to "outfox." Since "outwit" means to trick or win against someone by being more clever than him or her, it is the correct answer.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Anglo Saxon

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

BECALM

Possible Answers:

Intrepid 

Soothe

Adventurous 

Frustrate

Mock

Correct answer:

Soothe

Explanation:

“Becalm” means soothe or make calm. The prefix "be-" means to make or to cause, so it makes sense that "becalm" means make calm. So, "soothe" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “mock” means make fun of, and “intrepid” means brave and adventurous.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Other Languages

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

IMPASSE

Possible Answers:

Integrity 

Opening 

Menacing 

Revile 

Deadlock 

Correct answer:

Deadlock 

Explanation:

"Impasse" is a noun used to describe a point at which no further progress can be made, so it is most similar in meaning to “deadlock,” a noun that means stalemate or impasse. For clarification, "integrity" means the quality of adhering to high moral principles, "revile" means to insult, and "menacing" means threatening.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Prefixes From Other Languages

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

ENRAGED

Possible Answers:

Desirable

Peaceful

Attractive

Furious

Pleasant

Correct answer:

Furious

Explanation:

"Enraged" means angry or furious. "Pleasant" means enjoyable or pleasurable. "Desirable" describes something or someone that is liked or wanted. "Attractive" is a synonym of "desirable." "Peaceful" means calm, quiet, and tranquil.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Suffixes

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

COUNSELOR

Possible Answers:

Athlete

Forger

Principal

Adviser

Enemy

Correct answer:

Adviser

Explanation:

"Counselor" is a person who serves as an "adviser," or in other words, someone who helps guide those who seek assistance. An "enemy" is an opponent or a person who works against someone. "Principal" refers to the chief administrator who manages and directs a school. "Athlete" is a person who plays sports. "Forger" is a person who makes illegal copies of something and passes them off as legitimate.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Suffixes

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

Vendor

Possible Answers:

Seller

Teacher

Purchaser

Firefighter

Client

Correct answer:

Seller

Explanation:

A "vendor" is a seller.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Suffixes

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

GULLIBLE

Possible Answers:

Naïve

Portly 

Plausible 

Malleable 

Comely 

Correct answer:

Naïve

Explanation:

If you are "gullible" then you are easily tricked and naïve. For clarification, "plausible" means believable; "malleable" means able to be bent easily; "portly" means fat; "comely" means cute.

Example Question #61 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

CAVITY

Possible Answers:

Decay

Plague

Shame

Suspicion

Hole

Correct answer:

Hole

Explanation:

A cavity is a hole.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Suffixes

Synonyms: pick the word that is most similar in meaning to the word in question.

Parity

Possible Answers:

Fence

Devotion

Equality

Conversation

Satire

Correct answer:

Equality

Explanation:

"Parity" means equality.

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