SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Analogies: Prefixes

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Analogies: Prefixes From Greek

Complete this analogy.

Cytology is to cells as nomology is to __________.

Possible Answers:

math

law

equations

public health

probability

Correct answer:

law

Explanation:

"Cytology" is the study of cells, so to solve this analogy you need to determine what "nomology" is the study of. To solve this problem it helps to consider the meaning of the Greek prefix nom- which means law, order. So, "nomology" is the study of law.

Example Question #1 : Analogies: Prefixes From Greek

Complete this analogy.

Anthropology is to __________ as meteorology is to weather.

Possible Answers:

recreation

mankind

animals

literature

occupations

Correct answer:

mankind

Explanation:

To solve this problem you need to rely on your knowledge of Greek prefixes. To begin with "meteorology" is the study of weather, the atmosphere, and weather patterns. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine what "anthropology" is the study of. The Greek prefix anthrop- means human, so "anthropology" is the study of mankind, the study of humans.

Example Question #2 : Analogies: Prefixes From Greek

Complete this analogy.

Xenophobia is to foreigners as arachnophobia is to _______________.

Possible Answers:

silence

psychology

travel

politics

spiders

Correct answer:

spiders

Explanation:

"Xenophobia" is an irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries. The correct answer will demonstrate a relationship between a fear and the object of that fear. "Arachno" derives from the Greek root meaning spider, and "arachnophobia" is the fear of spiders.

Example Question #2 : Analogies: Prefixes From Greek

Complete this analogy.

Claustrophobia is to trapped as acrophobia is to _______________.

Possible Answers:

heights

loneliness

spiders

snakes

dogs

Correct answer:

heights

Explanation:

To begin with the suffix -phobia means fear of. "Claustrophobia" is the fear of being "trapped," the fear of tight spaces. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine what someone who suffers from "acrophobia" is afraid of. The key here is the prefix acro- (as in "acropolis"), it means height, high. So, "acrophobia" is the fear of "heights" or high places.

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