SSAT Middle Level Verbal : SSAT Middle Level Verbal

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Suffixes From Latin

Each of the following questions consists of one word followed by five words or phrases. You are to select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

FORTIFY

Possible Answers:

strengthen

win

bend

serve

inspire

Correct answer:

strengthen

Explanation:

Fortify most nearly means strengthen as in "After the attack, the governor elected to fortify the city".

Example Question #71 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: choose the answer with the meaning closest to the word in question.

Unify

Possible Answers:

to extend

to bring together

to impress

to order

to separate

Correct answer:

to bring together

Explanation:

"Unify" means to bring together.

Example Question #81 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

NULLIFY

Possible Answers:

Document

Support 

Invalidate 

Service 

Supplant

Correct answer:

Invalidate 

Explanation:

"Nullify" means to make something invalid or to cancel something, so the correct answer is “invalidate.” For clarification, "supplant" means replace.

Example Question #82 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: choose the answer with the meaning closest to the word in question.

Reasonable

Possible Answers:

Honorable

Unfair

Logical

Irritating

Delicious

Correct answer:

Logical

Explanation:

"Reasonable" means logical, rational, or possessing reason.

Example Question #83 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

ILLUMINATE

Possible Answers:

Make clear 

Make unclear 

Make sad

Make happy 

None of those mentioned

Correct answer:

Make clear 

Explanation:

To illuminate something means to shed light on it, to make it clear. The part of the word -lum- generally refers to light or clarity as in illuminate, luminous, illumination, etc.

Example Question #84 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

ANTAGONIZE

Possible Answers:

Ajar

Barter

Undermine

Provoke

Retreat

Correct answer:

Provoke

Explanation:

"Antagonize" means alienate or provoke, so "provoke" is the correct answer. "Undermine" means weaken. "Ajar" is an adjective that means slightly open. "Barter" is a verb that means trade or negotiate the price of an item. "Retreat" means withdraw or move back to a previous location.

Example Question #85 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

VILIFY

Possible Answers:

Forgive 

Abuse 

Enlarge 

Declare

Tighten 

Correct answer:

Abuse 

Explanation:

If you “vilify” someone, you say or write harsh and critical things about them. It is related to the root word "villain." Remember that the suffix "-ify" means to make or invest with attributes. "Villify" is similar in meaning to "abuse," which means to treat harshly or unfairly. To clarify the other terms, “declare” means say publically; “enlarge” means get bigger.

Example Question #21 : Synonyms: Suffixes From Latin

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

FATHOMABLE

Possible Answers:

Amiable 

Agreeable 

Comprehensible

Comfortable 

Intangible 

Correct answer:

Comprehensible

Explanation:

The suffix "-able" means able to be,so “fathomable” means able to be fathomed—that is, able to be understood. Notice how all of the answer choices use "-able" or ­"-ible"; this means that you will have to try and figure out which answer choice's stem is most similar to “fathom.” The correct answer is "comprehensible" because "comprehend" means understand. As for the other answer choices, “amiable” means friendly or sociable; “agreeable” means pleasant or easy-going; “intangible” means not able to be touched or not able to be defined, and "comfortable" means cozy and pleasant.

Example Question #22 : Synonyms: Suffixes From Latin

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

REPREHENSIBLE

Possible Answers:

Auditory

Bewildered

Shameful

Triumphant

Optical

Correct answer:

Shameful

Explanation:

"Reprehensible" means disgraceful or shameful, so "shameful" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "shameful": “optical” means related to seeing; “auditory” means related to hearing; "triumphant" means victorious; and "bewildered" means very confused.

Example Question #23 : Synonyms: Suffixes From Latin

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

EQUALIZE

Possible Answers:

Condemn 

Praise 

Laud 

Balance 

Demonstrate

Correct answer:

Balance 

Explanation:

The prefix equ- means equal, same, so the word “equalize” means to make equal. Of the five answer choices this is most similar in meaning to “balance.” To provide further help, “demonstrate” means to show how to do something; “laud” means praise; “condemn” means criticize, say is wrong.

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