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

"Subterranean" means underground: It contains the prefix ­"sub_-_," which means under or below, and the root "terra," which comes from the Latin word for earth. So, "underground" is the best answer, because it is closest in meaning to "subterranean."

"Extraterrestrial" means alien when used as an adjective, and an "extraterrestrial" is is an alien. So, "alien" is the correct answer. To help you understand the formation of words, consider that "terrestrial" means from the earth and in this context, the prefix "extra-" means something other than. So an extraterrestrial is something from somewhere other than the earth. To help you further, "extraordinary" means something other than ordinary, "ordinary" means normal, a "foreigner" is someone from another country, and a "citizen" is a member of a nation.

The prefix "im-" means not, as in the words "impossible," "impolite," and "improbable." So, "impermanent" means temporary or not permanent, and "temporary" is the correct answer.

"Abnormal" is defined as unusual or not normal. "Atypical" is defined is not typical, so "atypical" is the best answer choice. The prefixes "a-" or "ab-" can mean not, as is demonstrated in "abnormal" and "atypical" respectively meaning not normal and not typical.

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.

The prefix "under_-"_ means below or beneath, so the word “underdeveloped” means not grown enough, not developed enough. To provide further help, “developed” means grown; “beneath” means under.

The suffix "-act" means to do, to act, to respond. The word “react” means respond to something. To provide further help, “writhe” means twist in pain; “egress” means exit, way out; “akin” means similar to; “variegated” means different looking, multicolored.

The prefix "infra-" generally means below or under, so the word “infrastructure” means basic structure or "foundation." To provide further help, a “trial” is a test; a “variable” is something that can change; a “luminary” is a famous or successful person.

The prefix "over-" means completely, excessively, too much, so the word “overburdened” means carrying too much of a load, or "overloaded.” To provide further help, “overlook” means ignore; “overhead” means above; "overt" means secret.

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.

“Dismount” means to get down. It is commonly used when speaking about “dismounting" from horses, as in to get off your mount. The prefix "dis-" is a negation prefix and the suffix "-mount" refers to something you sit on.

The prefix "un-" is a negation prefix and usually means not, so the word “unacceptable” means not acceptable. Of the answer choices, this is closest in meaning to “intolerable,” which means not tolerable. The prefix "in-" is used very much like the prefix "un-." To provide further help, “unmitigated” means not mitigated, pure; “domesticity” is life inside the home; “meticulous” means careful, paying great attention to detail; “incomprehensible” means not able to be understood.

The prefix "under-" means beneath or below, so the word “underage” means below age, immature. To provide further help, a “novice” is a beginner and an “expert” is someone who has been doing something for a long time and is very good at it; a “vendor” is someone who sells things; a “genius” is someone who is very smart.

Note that although words may share a root, they may not necessarily mean the same thing. In this case, "temptation" and "desire" are closest in meaning. "Tempo" refers to timing in music. "Temperature" (think weather) and "temperamental" (think moody) are not related to "temptation" (or desire). As suggested, the words "moody" and "temperamental" are synonymous with each other.

The prefix "a-" means not, so “atypical” has the opposite meaning of “typical.” Something that is “typical” is predictable, boring, or common, so “atypical” is closest in meaning to “uncommon.” The prefix "un_-" functions here in the same way as the prefix "a-_" does in "atypical"; it negates the meaning of the word. As for the other answer choices, “zealous” means passionate; “derogatory” means disrespectful, rude, or offensive; “wary” means cautious, anxious, or careful; and "traitorous" means treacherous or betraying the trust of someone or a group.

The prefix "ex_-_" means out or away, so to “exhale” means to breathe out, just like to “inhale” means to breathe in. That makes "breathe" the closest synonym to "exhale" amongst the answer choices. As for the other answer choices, "whine" means moan or complain about something.

The prefix "an-" means toward, to join, or to add onto. The word “annex,” when used as a verb, means add or join, and it is most commonly used when talking about adding territory to an existing defined area of land , as in “In the twentieth Century the United States annexed the islands of Hawaii.” The best answer, therefore, is “add.” None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "annex": “accommodate” is verb that means provide someone with a house or help by making changes to the way in which one regularly does something; "sing" means audibly perform a song; and "sort" means categorize or physically arrange into categories.

The prefix "dis_-_" means apart or away, so the word “distant” means located far away or _difficult to read the emotions of_and "faraway" is the correct answer. To provide further help, “nearby” is an antonym of "far-away” and means located close by; “erroneous” means incorrect or made-up; “discomfiting” means causing you to feel uncomfortable; and “abhorrent” means disgusting or disgraceful.

The word "inconsiderate" is formed from the negative prefix "in-," which here means not, and the word "considerate," which means polite or thinking of other's feelings. So, the word "inconsiderate" means not considerate, or impolite due to not thinking of other's feelings. The answer choice closest in meaning to "inconsiderate" is thus "rude," which means ill-mannered, impolite, or discourteous. As for the other answer choices, "solid" means tangible and not able to be passed through; "fortunate" means lucky; "disheveled" means messy in appearance; and "limber" means able to bend easily.