Question 1
The suffix -ity appears in words like ambiguity and
clarity. In some words, the suffix takes the shorter form
-ty, as in loyalty and safety. What does this
suffix mean?
"-ity" (and its shorter form "-ty") converts adjectives
into nouns meaning "state or quality of." Ambiguity = the state of
being ambiguous; loyalty = the quality of being loyal. The shorter
form "-ty" carries an identical meaning.
🔒
Answer question 1 to unlock
The suffix -ism appears in words like optimism and
cynicism. What does this suffix mean?
"-ism" forms nouns naming a belief, doctrine, or practice.
Optimism = the belief that outcomes will be favorable;
cynicism = the practice of doubting sincerity and goodness in
others. The suffix often pairs with "-ist": optimism/optimist,
cynicism/cynic.
🔒
Answer question 2 to unlock
The suffix -ify appears in words like simplify and
justify. What does this suffix mean?
"-ify" converts nouns and adjectives into verbs meaning "to make
or cause to become." Simplify = to make simple; justify
= to make just, or to show that something is right or warranted.
🔒
Answer question 3 to unlock
The suffix -al forms adjectives meaning "relating to," as in
seasonal. In some words it appears as -ial, as in
impartial. How does -ial shape the meaning of
impartial?
"-ial" (a variant of "-al") forms adjectives meaning
"relating to." Partial = relating to one part or side — biased.
The prefix im- (not) negates this: impartial = not
relating to any one side — fair and unbiased.
🔒
Answer question 4 to unlock
The word ambivalent contains the suffix -ent. When the
same suffix follows certain roots, it appears as -ant, as in
exuberant — the vowel must be memorized. How does -ent
shape the meaning of ambivalent?
"-ent" (and its variant "-ant") forms adjectives meaning
"having the quality of." Ambivalent = having the quality of
ambi- (both) + valent (strong or worth) — simultaneously
pulled toward two opposing feelings or choices.
🔒
Answer question 5 to unlock
The word euphemism ends in -ism. A student applies the
suffix rule and expects euphemism to name a belief system or
doctrine. What is wrong with this reasoning?
Not every "-ism" ending is the belief/doctrine suffix.
Euphemism is borrowed from Greek euphemismos
(eu = good + pheme = speech), and its "-ism"
is part of the original root. When "-ism" is a productive English
suffix, a recognizable root is identifiable beneath it: optim- +
"-ism", cynic + "-ism".
🔒
Answer question 6 to unlock
The word colloquial contains the suffix -ial. Which
statement best describes what -al/-ial contributes to this word?
"-ial" forms adjectives meaning "relating to or characterized by."
Colloquial = relating to colloquium (speaking together,
conversation) — used to describe informal, everyday speech as opposed to
formal or literary language. The root loqu- (to speak) also
appears in loquacious and eloquent.
🔒
Answer question 7 to unlock
The suffix -ity appears in equanimity. The root combines
Latin aequus (equal) and animus (mind or spirit). What
does equanimity most likely mean?
"-ity" marks a noun meaning "state or quality of."
Equanimity = the quality of aequus (equal) +
animus (mind) — maintaining an even, undisturbed mind regardless
of circumstances. The word describes composure, especially under pressure
or adversity.
🔒
Answer question 8 to unlock
The suffix -ify appears in mollify. The root moll-
comes from Latin meaning "soft." What does mollify most likely mean?
"-ify" means "to make or cause to become." Mollify = to
make moll- (soft) — to soften someone's anger or hostility; to
appease or placate. The root also appears in emollient (something
that softens skin or soothes tension).
🔒
Answer question 9 to unlock
The suffix -ent appears in truculent. The root truc-
comes from Latin trux, meaning "fierce" or "savage." What does
truculent most likely mean?
"-ent" forms adjectives meaning "having the quality of."
Truculent = having the quality of trux (fierce, savage)
— aggressively defiant and quick to quarrel. The suffix does the same work
here as in resilient (having the quality of springing back) and
confident (having the quality of full trust).
correct answers
💡Tip: Want to see new SAT Vocabulary quizzes?
Make sure the "Notify me about new quizzes" is enabled in your Dashboard.
Make sure the "Notify me about new quizzes" is enabled in your Dashboard.