Suffixes: Mastery Guide
with Rationales
Ace the SAT verbal section by mastering the building blocks of
English vocabulary.
What’s Included
• Targeted Practice Questions: High-yield word roots, prefixes, and
suffixes frequently tested on the SAT.
• Complete Answer Key: Clear, correct answers for every question.
• In-Depth Rationales: Step-by-step breakdowns explaining why a
choice is correct and how word parts unlock unfamiliar definitions.
Who This Is For
• High school students preparing for the SAT or ACT.
• Tutors looking for ready-to-use vocabulary drills.
• Test-takers wanting to boost their reading comprehension and score
fast.
1. What is the meaning of the prefix A-, An-?
Answer: Not, without
• Detailed Rationale: The prefixes a- (used before consonants) and
an- (used before vowels) come from Greek. They are used to negate
the word that follows them. For example, amoral means without
morals, and anarchy means without a ruler or government.
1
, 2. What is the meaning of the prefix Ante-, Ant-?
Answer: Before
• Detailed Rationale: Derived from Latin, ante- and its variant ant-
signify priority in time or place. For example, an anteroom is a waiting
room placed before the main room, and antediluvian literally
translates to "before the flood."
3. What is the meaning of the root Bene-, Ben-?
Answer: Good
• Detailed Rationale: This root comes from the Latin word bene,
meaning well or good. It is used to form words with positive
connotations. For instance, a benefactor is someone who does good
deeds or gives financial help, and benign means kind or gentle.
4. What is the meaning of the prefix Co-, Com-, Con-?
Answer: Together
• Detailed Rationale: These prefixes are variations of the Latin word
for "with" or "together." The spelling changes based on the starting
letter of the root word. For example, cooperate (work together),
combine (put together), and convene (come together).
5. What is the meaning of the prefix Dis-, Dif-, Di-?
Answer: Not, apart, away
• Detailed Rationale: These Latin prefixes indicate separation,
reversal, or negation. For example, disconnect means to take apart,
diffuse means to pour out or spread away, and divert means to turn
away from a path.
2