All SSAT Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #31 : Synonyms: Roots
Synonyms: Select the word whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
TRANSPLANT
Administer
Portend
Imply
Lament
Relocate
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 #32 : Synonyms: Roots
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
AGITATE
Stir up
Calm down
Go around
Listen intently
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 #33 : Synonyms: Roots
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
EGOIST
Individualist
Founder
Flounder
Miser
Philanthropist
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 #34 : Synonyms: Roots
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
MALADJUSTED
Unseemly
Malodorous
Benevolent
Beneficial
Unbalanced
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.
Example Question #35 : Synonyms: Roots
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
NEBULOUS
Hazy
Hospitable
Dovetail
Derelict
Dismantle
Hazy
The prefix "neb-" means hazy or cloudy, so “nebulous” simply means hazy, uncertain, vague. To provide further help, “dovetail” means come together, merge; “dismantle” means take apart; “derelict” means broken down, dilapidated; “hospitable” means welcoming.
Example Question #36 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INNOCUOUS
Dead
Mistaken
Dilapidated
Harmless
Perceivable
Harmless
"Innocuous" means harmless. The Latin root word "noc" means harmful. The prefix "in-" means not.
Example Question #37 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PHILANTHROPY
Originality
Growth
Repetition
Charity
Knowledge
Charity
"Philanthropy" is an unselfish concern for the welfare of others. It is also the practice of performing charitable acts. The root word "philos" means love of, and the root word "anthro" means human.
Example Question #38 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VERBOSE
Frightful
Glimmering
Talkative
Weak
Stingy
Talkative
"Verbose" means talkative or characterized by the use of a lot of words. The Latin root word "verb" means word.
Example Question #39 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CREDULOUS
Gullible
Ruined
Dignified
Imaginary
Agreeable
Gullible
"Credulous" means too ready to believe or easily deceived. Thus, the best choice is the word "gullible." The root word "cred-" means believe.
Example Question #40 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PANACEA
Remedy
Degree
Usage
Question
Theft
Remedy
A "panacea" is a cure-all, so "remedy" is the best answer choice. The root word "pan" means all, and the root word "akes" means remedy.