SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Roots

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:

Persuade

Rest

Lurk

Cancel

Clean

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:

Hackneyed

Tiring

Distinct

Plentiful

Melodramatic

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:

Wounded

Surprising

Central

Smug

Amphibious

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

Transferable 

Worldly

Scourged

Agitated

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:

Viability

Indulgence

Dissipation

Tycoon

Penalty

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:

Detestable

Grandiose

Smelly

Speechless

Just

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:

Known

Concealed

Enormous

Pretentious

Uniting

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:

Philosophical

Apathetic

Qualified

Representative

Sleepy

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:

Weaken

Delegate

Condemn

Circle

Insert

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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