SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots to Identify Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #61 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

NULLIFY

Possible Answers:

Persuade

Clean

Rest

Cancel

Lurk

Correct answer:

Cancel

Explanation:

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

Example Question #62 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

COPIOUS

Possible Answers:

Hackneyed

Distinct

Melodramatic

Tiring

Plentiful

Correct answer:

Plentiful

Explanation:

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

Example Question #63 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

COMPLACENT

Possible Answers:

Central

Wounded

Amphibious

Surprising

Smug

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 #64 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

COSMOPOLITAN

Possible Answers:

Agitated

Vital

Scourged

Transferable 

Worldly

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 #65 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

MAGNATE

Possible Answers:

Penalty

Tycoon

Viability

Dissipation

Indulgence

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 #66 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

ODIOUS

Possible Answers:

Just

Grandiose

Smelly

Speechless

Detestable

Correct answer:

Detestable

Explanation:

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

Example Question #67 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

GRANDILOQUENT

Possible Answers:

Known

Concealed

Enormous

Uniting

Pretentious

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 #68 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

SOMNOLENT

Possible Answers:

Qualified

Apathetic

Philosophical

Representative

Sleepy

Correct answer:

Sleepy

Explanation:

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

Example Question #69 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

ATTENUATE

Possible Answers:

Weaken

Circle

Insert

Condemn

Delegate

Correct answer:

Weaken

Explanation:

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

Example Question #30 : Synonyms: Roots

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

IMPEDE

Possible Answers:

Inspire

Debate

Clarify

Block

Accompish

Correct answer:

Block

Explanation:

"Impede" means to block.

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