Synonyms: Using Suffixes to Identify Synonyms

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SSAT Elementary Level Verbal › Synonyms: Using Suffixes to Identify Synonyms

Questions 1 - 6
1

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

VULNERABLE

Undefended

Angry

Reckless

Sad

Frightened

Explanation

If a castle wall or a defense is “vulnerable,” it is open to an attack or lacking a defense. It is similar in meaning to "undefended," which means not defended. To further help you, if you are “reckless,” you do not consider the results of your actions; “frightened” means scared.

2

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

ILLUMINATION

Light

Darkness

Climate

Arrest

Power

Explanation

"Illumination" comes from the root verb "illuminate" which means to light something up. The suffix "-ion" indicates a noun.

3

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

TECHNOPHILE

Lover of technology

Computer

Connection

Lover of television

Satellite

Explanation

A "technophile" is someone who loves technology. Any time you see a word that ends with the suffix "-phile," it means that the word will be describing someone who loves something. For example, a "bibliophile" is a person who loves books.

4

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

QUARRELSOME

Argumentative

Intelligent

Optimistic

Organized

Embellished

Explanation

One definition of a "quarrel" is an argument, so "quarrelsome" means often starting or participating in arguments. That means that "argumentative" is the best answer choice.

5

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

TECHNOPHOBE

Fears new techology

Loves new technology

Uses new technology

Sells new technlogy

Invents new technology

Explanation

A "technophobe" is someone who dislikes, or is afraid of, new technology. Any time you see a word that ends in the suffix "-phobe," you know that the word means someone who is afraid of something. For example, an "arachnophobe" is afraid of spiders.

6

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

PORTABLE

Moveable

Ornate

Mysterious

Stubborn

Predictable

Explanation

“Portable” means able to be transported or moved, so “moveable,” which means able to be moved, is the correct answer. The suffix "_-_able" generally means able to have something done to it. As for the other answer choices, “predictable” means able to be predicted or boring; “mysterious” means secretive and difficult to understand; “stubborn” means holding to one's opinion even when given a good reason or evidence to change one's mind; and "ornate" means decorated in a fancy, detailed way.

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