SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Roots from Latin

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #21 : Synonyms: Roots

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

NULLIFY

Possible Answers:

Clean

Cancel

Persuade

Rest

Lurk

Correct answer:

Cancel

Explanation:

"To nullify" is to cancel. The Latin root word, "nullus," means no or none.

Example Question #22 : Synonyms: Roots

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

COPIOUS

Possible Answers:

Distinct

Tiring

Hackneyed

Melodramatic

Plentiful

Correct answer:

Plentiful

Explanation:

"Copious" means plentiful or large in quantity. The Latin root word, "copia," means abundance.

Example Question #23 : Synonyms: Roots

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

COMPLACENT

Possible Answers:

Smug

Central

Wounded

Amphibious

Surprising

Correct answer:

Smug

Explanation:

"Complacent" means pleased, especially with oneself or one's situation. Thus, the best answer choice is smug. The root word "plac-" means please.

Example Question #24 : Synonyms: Roots

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

COSMOPOLITAN

Possible Answers:

Vital

Agitated

Scourged

Worldly

Transferable 

Correct answer:

Worldly

Explanation:

"Cosmopolitan" means familiar with and at ease in many different countries and cultures. It also means sophisticated. Thus, the best answer choice is "worldly," which also means sophisticated. The root word "cosmo-" means world or universe, and the root word "poli" means city.

Example Question #25 : Synonyms: Roots

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

MAGNATE

Possible Answers:

Indulgence

Dissipation

Penalty

Viability

Tycoon

Correct answer:

Tycoon

Explanation:

A "magnate" is an influential or powerful person. A tycoon is a businessperson of great power and wealth. The root word "magnus" means great.

Example Question #26 : Synonyms: Roots

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

ODIOUS

Possible Answers:

Speechless

Just

Smelly

Grandiose

Detestable

Correct answer:

Detestable

Explanation:

"Odious" means detestable or causing hatred. The Latin root word, "odium," means hatred.

Example Question #27 : Synonyms: Roots

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

GRANDILOQUENT

Possible Answers:

Pretentious

Uniting

Enormous

Concealed

Known

Correct answer:

Pretentious

Explanation:

"Grandiloquent" means pompous or extravagant in one's speaking. The best answer choice is "pretentious." The Latin root word, "grandis," means great, and the Latin root word, "loqui," means to speak.

Example Question #28 : Synonyms: Roots

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

SOMNOLENT

Possible Answers:

Sleepy

Representative

Philosophical

Apathetic

Qualified

Correct answer:

Sleepy

Explanation:

"Somnolent" means sleepy. The Latin root word, "somnus," means sleep.

Example Question #29 : Synonyms: Roots

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

ATTENUATE

Possible Answers:

Delegate

Weaken

Insert

Circle

Condemn

Correct answer:

Weaken

Explanation:

To "attenuate" is to weaken or make thin. The Latin root word, "tenuis," means thin.

Example Question #30 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

IMPEDE

Possible Answers:

Accompish

Debate

Clarify

Block

Inspire

Correct answer:

Block

Explanation:

"Impede" means to block.

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