Synonyms: Roots - SSAT Middle Level: Verbal

"Fortify" means strengthen, so "strengthen" is the correct answer. "Fortify" is derived from the Latin word "fortis," which means strong; English words like "fort" and "fortitude" are derived from the same root.

"Innocuous" means harmless.

"Nebulous" means hazy or indistinct, so "hazy" is the correct answer.

"Taciturn" most nearly means not saying much, or "reticent." One might write, "The taciturn man listened to the conversation, but didn't volunteer his own opinion."

"Incongruous" means inappropriate, out of place, or ill-fitting,so "ill-fitting" is the correct answer.

"Innocuous" means harmless. The Latin root word "noc" means harmful. The prefix "in-" means not.

"Verbose" means talkative or characterized by the use of a lot of words. The Latin root word "verb" means word.

"Credulous" means too ready to believe or easily deceived. Thus, the best choice is the word "gullible." The root word "cred-" means believe.

"Bellicose" means hostile or eager to fight. The Latin root word, "bellum" means war.

The root word "fool" does give a negative implication to the word, however should not be an indicator that the word is related to strict intelligence. Instead, "foolhardy" generally describes someone who disregards consequences or asks impulsively.

Invigorate means fill with health and energy, as you may be able to work out from the "in-" prefix, which is here not functioning as a negative one but instead one meaning to take in, and "vigor," which means energy or liveliness. "Energy" is the closest synonym amongst the provided answer choices.

"Vociferous" is a synonym of noisy. It has the root "voc-" in it, which means voice and is found in words like vocal and advocate.

Words you may not know:

• "Enlighten" means to make aware or to inform.
• "Vapid" means lacking life or substance.

"Philanthropy" is an unselfish concern for the welfare of others. It is also the practice of performing charitable acts. The root word "philos" means love of, and the root word "anthro" means human.

A "panacea" is a cure-all, so "remedy" is the best answer choice. The root word "pan" means all, and the root word "akes" means remedy.

"Agriculture" means farming.

"Intermediate" means middle.

"Numerous" means many, or a lot of.

"Unexpected" means sudden or unplanned for, so "sudden" is the correct answer.

"Miniscule" means tiny. For clarification, "grandiose" and "ostentatious" are synonyms that both mean very large and luxurious; "timid" means very shy.