SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Analogies: Prefixes from Greek

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #17 : Analogies: Prefixes

Complete this analogy.

Antiquated is to the past as __________ is to the present.

Possible Answers:

obdurate

severe

youthful

current

mundane

Correct answer:

current

Explanation:

The Greek and Latin prefix anti- can mean either opposite, against as in "antisocial" which means not social. Or, anti- can mean old, ancient. In "antiquated" it is used in the latter sense, "antiquated" means very old, outdated, ancient. Something from the past could be described as "antiquated," so which of these is a word that could describe something from the present? The correct answer is "current" which means contemporary, in the present. Additionally, "youthful" means young; "mundane" means ordinary, boring; "severe" means intense, harsh; "obdurate" means stubborn, intractable.

Example Question #52 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Astronomy is to space as geology is to __________.

Possible Answers:

life

chemistry

rocks

economics

weather

Correct answer:

rocks

Explanation:

The Greek prefix astr- means stars, sun and the Greek root -nom- means arrangement, order, study. So, "astronomy" is literally the arrangement of the stars or the study of outer space. Furthermore, the Greek prefix geo- means Earth, of the Earth and the suffix -ology means study of. So, "geology" is literally the study of the Earth or the study of rocks and rock formations.

Example Question #1 : Analogies: Prefixes From Greek

Complete this analogy.

Cytology is to cells as nomology is to __________.

Possible Answers:

math

law

equations

public health

probability

Correct answer:

law

Explanation:

"Cytology" is the study of cells, so to solve this analogy you need to determine what "nomology" is the study of. To solve this problem it helps to consider the meaning of the Greek prefix nom- which means law, order. So, "nomology" is the study of law.

Example Question #1 : Analogies: Prefixes From Greek

Complete this analogy.

Anthropology is to __________ as meteorology is to weather.

Possible Answers:

recreation

mankind

animals

literature

occupations

Correct answer:

mankind

Explanation:

To solve this problem you need to rely on your knowledge of Greek prefixes. To begin with "meteorology" is the study of weather, the atmosphere, and weather patterns. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine what "anthropology" is the study of. The Greek prefix anthrop- means human, so "anthropology" is the study of mankind, the study of humans.

Example Question #2 : Analogies: Prefixes From Greek

Complete this analogy.

Xenophobia is to foreigners as arachnophobia is to _______________.

Possible Answers:

silence

psychology

travel

politics

spiders

Correct answer:

spiders

Explanation:

"Xenophobia" is an irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries. The correct answer will demonstrate a relationship between a fear and the object of that fear. "Arachno" derives from the Greek root meaning spider, and "arachnophobia" is the fear of spiders.

Example Question #2 : Analogies: Prefixes From Greek

Complete this analogy.

Claustrophobia is to trapped as acrophobia is to _______________.

Possible Answers:

heights

loneliness

spiders

snakes

dogs

Correct answer:

heights

Explanation:

To begin with the suffix -phobia means fear of. "Claustrophobia" is the fear of being "trapped," the fear of tight spaces. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine what someone who suffers from "acrophobia" is afraid of. The key here is the prefix acro- (as in "acropolis"), it means height, high. So, "acrophobia" is the fear of "heights" or high places.

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