SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #2201 : Synonyms

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

DIFFUSE

Possible Answers:

Scattered

Variant

Disagreeable

Dissimilar

Irregular

Correct answer:

Scattered

Explanation:

The word “diffuse” comes from roots that literally mean poured away from. The “di-” prefix means away from or down from, and the “-fuse” means to pour. This latter is found in words like “infuse” (meaning, literally, to pour into) and “effusive” (meaning pouring out, implying that someone “pours out” a great amount of something like praise). As a verb, the word “diffuse” means to scatter or to spread out, as when one diffuses a smell into a room or when an idea diffuses through an entire population. The word can likewise be used as an adjective, basically having the meaning of the past participle of the word, namely “scattered.”

Example Question #19 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

PRECLUDE

Possible Answers:

Scan

Attend

Stop

Pester

Cooperate

Correct answer:

Stop

Explanation:

To "preclude" something is to stop it from happening. The prefix "pre-" means before, and the root word, "clud," means to close or to shut

Example Question #20 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

EQUIVOCAL

Possible Answers:

Ambiguous

Necessary

Nauseous

Adorned

Fair

Correct answer:

Ambiguous

Explanation:

"Equivocal" means ambiguous or allowing the possibility of different meanings. The prefix "equi-" means equal.

Example Question #21 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

IMMOBILE

Possible Answers:

Swollen

Precise

Destined

Loud

Motionless

Correct answer:

Motionless

Explanation:

"Immobile" means incapable of moving or being moved. The root word "mob" means move. The prefix, "im-," means not or without. Thus, the best answer choice is "motionless." 

Example Question #22 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

INDEFATIGABLE

Possible Answers:

Tireless

Versatile

Courageous

Misguided

Explanatory

Correct answer:

Tireless

Explanation:

"Indefatigable" means unable to be tired out. The best choice is "tireless." The prefix "in-" means not, and the Latin root word, "fatigare," means to tire. "Fatigare" is also the root for the word fatigue.  

Example Question #23 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

DISPARAGE

Possible Answers:

Avenge

Hound

Belittle

Emerge

Ingest

Correct answer:

Belittle

Explanation:

To "disparage" is to belittle. The root word, "parage," means equality, and the prefix, "dis-," means not.

Example Question #24 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

PROVENANCE

Possible Answers:

Style

Blockage

Origin

Language

Participation

Correct answer:

Origin

Explanation:

"Provenance" means origin. The root word, "ven," means come, and the prefix "pro-" means for or forward.

Example Question #25 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

OPPROBRIUM

Possible Answers:

Circus

Revelry

Corrosion

Pleasantry 

Disgrace

Correct answer:

Disgrace

Explanation:

"Opprobrium" means disgrace from shameful conduct. The Latin root word, "probum," means a shameful act. The prefix, "ob-," means against.

Example Question #26 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

IMPERVIOUS

Possible Answers:

Stationary

Mobile

Smooth

Impenetrable

Porous

Correct answer:

Impenetrable

Explanation:

"Impervious" means impenetrable.

Example Question #27 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

IGNOMINY

Possible Answers:

Dishonor

Pet

Support

Accident

Perfection

Correct answer:

Dishonor

Explanation:

"Ignominy" means dishonor or disgrace. The root word, "nom," means name. The prefix, "ig-," means without or not.

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