SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Roots

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #31 : Synonyms: Roots

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

TRANSPLANT

Possible Answers:

Administer 

Portend 

Imply 

Lament 

Relocate 

Correct answer:

Relocate 

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Stir up 

Calm down 

Go around 

Listen intently 

Sit with 

Correct answer:

Stir up 

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Individualist

Founder 

Flounder

Miser 

Philanthropist 

Correct answer:

Individualist

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Unseemly 

Malodorous 

Benevolent 

Beneficial 

Unbalanced 

Correct answer:

Unbalanced 

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Hazy 

Hospitable 

Dovetail

Derelict 

Dismantle 

Correct answer:

Hazy 

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Dead

Mistaken

Dilapidated

Harmless

Perceivable

Correct answer:

Harmless

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Originality

Growth

Repetition

Charity

Knowledge

Correct answer:

Charity

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Frightful

Glimmering

Talkative

Weak

Stingy

Correct answer:

Talkative

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Gullible

Ruined

Dignified

Imaginary

Agreeable

Correct answer:

Gullible

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Remedy

Degree

Usage

Question

Theft

Correct answer:

Remedy

Explanation:

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.

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