SSAT Upper Level Verbal : SSAT Upper Level Verbal

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Roots

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

MOLLIFY

Possible Answers:

Magnify

Soften

Meander

Pursue

Banter

Correct answer:

Soften

Explanation:

"Mollify" is a verb that means to soften or calm.  The root word "molli" means soft. So, "soften" is the correct answer because it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "mollify."

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

MAGNANIMOUS

Possible Answers:

Generous

Painful

Systemic

Windy

Subjective

Correct answer:

Generous

Explanation:

"Magnanimous" means generous and noble.  The root "magn" means great in Latin, while the root word "animus" means spirit in Latin. So, "generous" is the correct answer because it is closest in meaning to "magnanimous."

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

NEOPHYTE

Possible Answers:

Jester

Straw

Aid

Tolerance

Novice

Correct answer:

Novice

Explanation:

A "neophyte" is a beginner or a novice, so "novice" is the correct answer. The root words neo and nov both mean new. The root phyte means growth. None of the other words are close in meaning to "neophyte": "straw" means hay; "aid" means help; "jester" means clown; and "tolerance" means acceptance.  

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Roots

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

ARBOREAL

Possible Answers:

Pertaining to trees

Pertaining to human beings

Pertaining to the atmosphere

Pertaining to rocks

Pertaining to water

Correct answer:

Pertaining to trees

Explanation:

The word "arboreal" means pertaining to trees. You might be able to infer this because "arbor" is the Latin word for tree. So, the best answer choice is "pertaining to trees."

Example Question #2981 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

SOLILOQUY

Possible Answers:

Stagnation

Monologue

Destiny

Sphere

Permission

Correct answer:

Monologue

Explanation:

A "soliloquy" is a monologue. The root word "sol-" means alone, and the root word "loqu-" means talk. "Monologue" is thus the correct answer.

Example Question #2982 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

ACQUIT

Possible Answers:

Exonerate

Imprision

Ignore

Sentence

Judge

Correct answer:

Exonerate

Explanation:

When someone is “acquitted” of an action, he or she is “forgiven” or set free from any sort of charges of that action. For instance, someone “acquitted of murder” is judged to be innocent of the crime. The word “exonerate” best matches this usage. It means to remove blame officially. Literally, it is derived from the Latin meaning to lift the burden from someone. The “-onerate” portion of the word means “burden,” while (as you likely know) “ex-” means out of or away from. The word is related to “onerous,” meaning burdensome or difficult.

Example Question #2983 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

VERBOSE

Possible Answers:

Conjugated

Wordy

Literal

Soft-spoken

Literary

Correct answer:

Wordy

Explanation:

The word “verbose” comes from the Latin for “word.” It is related to words like “verbal” and “verb.” It means using too many words to communicate something. Although the word “wordy” is a bit informal, it means just this—that someone uses too many words.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

MALICE

Possible Answers:

Courage

Presentation

Benevolence

Malevolence

Information

Correct answer:

Malevolence

Explanation:

"Malice" means evil or the quality of desiring to harm others. So, the correct answer is "malevolence," which also means the quality of desiring to harm others. 

Example Question #2984 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

Subterfuge

Possible Answers:

Grain

Evasion

Onset

Underground

Information

Correct answer:

Evasion

Explanation:

"Subterfuge" means a stratagem used to evade a consequence or conceal something. The best answer choice is "evasion." The Latin root word, "subter," means secretly, and the Latin root word, "fugere," means to flee.

Example Question #2985 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

BENEVOLENT

Possible Answers:

Volatile

Friendly

Captivating

Regimented 

Perfect

Correct answer:

Friendly

Explanation:

Benevolent means kind, friendly, or charitable.  The root word "bene" means good or well. 

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