Using Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots to Identify Synonyms

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SSAT Elementary Level Verbal › Using Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots to Identify Synonyms

Questions 1 - 10
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: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

SURPASS

Exceed

Recede

High

Motorway

Throw

Explanation

To “surpass” is to go beyond or to become better than someone or something. “Exceed” also means to go beyond the limit of something or to become better than someone or something. Look for prefixes like "sur-" and "ex-"where "sur-" can mean above and "ex-" can mean out of. To further help you, “recede” means to go back, so you can say waves “recede” on the shore.

4

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.

5

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.

6

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

SEMICIRCLE

Half circle

Sphere

Parallel

Slope

Gradient

Explanation

The prefix "semi-" usually means half, so we can assume that a “semicircle” is half a circle. To provide further help, a three-dimensional circle is called a “sphere;” “parallel” means running alongside, having the same slope; “slope” means slanted ground; “gradient” means slope. In addition to being terms we use in English, these are also all mathematical terms.

7

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

EXCHANGE

Trade

Buy

Study

Wander

Practice

Explanation

The prefix "ex_-_" means out of or away from and the word “change” means to make or become different, so when you “exchange” something, you give away one thing and get something different in return for it. This is most similar in meaning to “trade.” To provide further help, “study” means to review and practice material to learn it; and “wander” means to walk around without a destination.

8

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

EXCHANGE

Trade

Buy

Study

Wander

Practice

Explanation

The prefix "ex_-_" means out of or away from and the word “change” means to make or become different, so when you “exchange” something, you give away one thing and get something different in return for it. This is most similar in meaning to “trade.” To provide further help, “study” means to review and practice material to learn it; and “wander” means to walk around without a destination.

9

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

SEMICIRCLE

Half circle

Sphere

Parallel

Slope

Gradient

Explanation

The prefix "semi-" usually means half, so we can assume that a “semicircle” is half a circle. To provide further help, a three-dimensional circle is called a “sphere;” “parallel” means running alongside, having the same slope; “slope” means slanted ground; “gradient” means slope. In addition to being terms we use in English, these are also all mathematical terms.

10

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

SURPASS

Exceed

Recede

High

Motorway

Throw

Explanation

To “surpass” is to go beyond or to become better than someone or something. “Exceed” also means to go beyond the limit of something or to become better than someone or something. Look for prefixes like "sur-" and "ex-"where "sur-" can mean above and "ex-" can mean out of. To further help you, “recede” means to go back, so you can say waves “recede” on the shore.

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