Ready to conquer the building blocks of words? Dive into our SAT Vocabulary Roots Prefix & Suffix Challenge, designed for high schoolers seeking to boost their score. This free sat vocabulary roots prefix and suffix quiz hones your ability to identify sat prefixes and suffixes and reinforce your understanding of sat vocabulary roots. You'll practice decoding tricky sat prefix clues, master sat suffixes, and strengthen reading comprehension, all with instant feedback and score tracking so you can see your progress in real time. Tap into our sat vocabulary roots prefix and suffix exercise for hands-on practice, and explore extra examples with the prefix root suffix finder to keep your momentum. Ready to test your skills and power up your prep? Take the quiz now!
What does the prefix "bene-" mean?
Good or well
Bad or ill
Many
Half
The prefix "bene-" comes from Latin "bene" meaning good or well. It appears in words like "beneficial" (producing good effects). It contrasts with "mal-" which means bad. Learn more at Etymonline.
What does the suffix "-able" indicate in English vocabulary?
Capable of or susceptible to
State of being
Full of
Small or little
The suffix "-able" comes from Latin "-abilis" meaning capable of or susceptible to. It turns verbs into adjectives, as in "readable" (capable of being read). It is a very productive adjectival suffix. See Etymonline.
In the word "microscope," what does the suffix "-scope" mean?
Instrument for viewing
Small in size
Loving or fond of
Large or big
The suffix "-scope" derives from Greek "-skopos" meaning an instrument for viewing or observing. A microscope is an instrument for viewing small objects. Other examples include telescope and periscope. Learn more at Etymonline.
What does the prefix "bi-" signify in English words?
Two
Life
Good
Time
The prefix "bi-" comes from Latin "bis" meaning twice or two. It appears in words like "bicycle" (two wheels) and "bilateral" (two sides). It is often used for things involving two parts. See Etymonline.
What is the function of the suffix "-ist" in English vocabulary?
Denotes one who practices or is concerned with
Indicates small size
Expresses quality or state
Means capable of
The suffix "-ist" comes from Greek "-istes" meaning one who does or is concerned with something. It is used in words like "artist" (one who practices art) and "scientist" (one who practices science). It commonly forms agent nouns. More info at Etymonline.
What does the prefix "pre-" mean in words like "preview"?
Before
After
Again
Within
The prefix "pre-" comes from Latin "prae" meaning before. It appears in words like "preview" (view before) and "prehistoric" (before history). It indicates something preceding in time or order. See Etymonline.
In the word "postscript," what does the prefix "post-" signify?
After
Before
Many
Under
The prefix "post-" comes from Latin "post" meaning after. It is used in words like "postscript" (writing after) and "postmortem" (after death). It indicates something that occurs later. More at Etymonline.
What does the suffix "-ology" mean as seen in "biology"?
Study of
Small
Condition of
Act of
The suffix "-ology" comes from Greek "-logia" meaning the study of. It appears in words like "biology" (study of life) and "geology" (study of earth). It forms nouns denoting fields of study. See Etymonline.
What does the prefix "mono-" mean in "monologue"?
One
Many
Good
Self
The prefix "mono-" comes from Greek "monos" meaning one or single. It appears in words like "monologue" (one speech) and "monorail" (single rail). It denotes singularity. More at Etymonline.
What does the prefix "inter-" mean in the word "international"?
Between or among
Within
Above
Below
The prefix "inter-" comes from Latin "inter" meaning between or among. It appears in words like "internet" (network between things) and "intermediate" (between levels). It indicates relationships between entities. See Etymonline.
In the word "distract," what does the root "tract" mean?
To pull or draw
To break
To write
To speak
The root "tract" comes from Latin "tractus" meaning to pull or draw. In "distract," it conveys drawing attention away. The prefix "dis-" means apart, so "distract" literally means to pull apart mentally. Learn more at Etymonline.
What does the suffix "-ive" convey in a word like "creative"?
Having the nature of
Act of
One who
Condition of
The suffix "-ive" comes from Latin "-ivus" meaning having the nature of. It forms adjectives indicating tendency or quality, as in "creative" (having the nature of creating). It is commonly used to derive adjectives from verbs. More at Etymonline.
What does the prefix "omni-" signify in the word "omniscient"?
All
One
Many
None
The prefix "omni-" derives from Latin "omnis" meaning all. In "omniscient," it indicates all-knowing. Other examples include "omnipotent" (all-powerful). It denotes totality. See Etymonline.
In the word "dependent," what does the suffix "-ent" indicate?
Performing or causing an action
Opposite of
Small in size
State of being
The suffix "-ent" originates from Latin "-entem" denoting performing or causing an action. In "dependent," it describes someone who relies on something else (performing the action of depending). It turns verbs into adjectives. More at Etymonline.
What does the prefix "epi-" mean in the word "epidemic"?
Upon or above
Within
Between
Under
The prefix "epi-" comes from Greek "epi" meaning upon or above. In "epidemic," it refers to disease upon the people. It also appears in "epidermis" (skin upon) and "epilogue" (after speech). See Etymonline.
Which suffix means "study of" in the word "psychology"?
-ology
-ment
-ism
-ary
The suffix "-ology" comes from Greek "-logia" meaning study of. "Psychology" is the study of the mind (psyche). Other fields include biology and geology. Learn more at Etymonline.
What does the prefix "sub-" mean in the word "submarine"?
Under or below
Over or above
Beside
Between
The prefix "sub-" derives from Latin meaning under or below. In "submarine," it refers to a vessel that operates beneath the sea surface. It's also used in "subterranean" (under the earth). More info at Etymonline.
In the word "unilateral," what does the prefix "uni-" signify?
One
Many
Equal
Opposite
The prefix "uni-" comes from Latin "unus" meaning one. In "unilateral," it describes action from one side. It appears in words like "unicycle" (one wheel) and "universe" (one turn). See Etymonline.
In the word "pandemic," what does the prefix "pan-" mean?
All
Disease
City
Within
The prefix "pan-" comes from Greek "pan" meaning all or everyone. "Pandemic" refers to a disease affecting all people across a large region. It's distinct from localized "epidemic." More at Etymonline.
What does the suffix "-cracy" denote in the word "plutocracy"?
Rule or government by
Love of
Fear of
Study of
The suffix "-cracy" comes from Greek "kratos" meaning power or rule. "Plutocracy" means government by the wealthy. Other examples include democracy and autocracy. See Etymonline.
In the word "diameter," what does the prefix "dia-" mean?
Through or across
Below
Around
Between
The prefix "dia-" stems from Greek "dia" meaning through or across. A diameter measures across a circle through its center. It is also found in diagonal and dialogue (through speech). More info at Etymonline.
What does the suffix "-algia" mean in the term "neuralgia"?
Pain
Study of
Inflammation
Speech
The suffix "-algia" comes from Greek "algos" meaning pain. "Neuralgia" refers to nerve pain. Other examples include arthralgia (joint pain) and myalgia (muscle pain). Learn more at Etymonline.
In the word "demigod," what does the prefix "demi-" signify?
Half
God
Race
Many
The prefix "demi-" derives from Old French "demi" and Latin "dimidius" meaning half. In "demigod," it indicates someone who is half god, half human. It appears in words like "demisemiquaver" (half of a quaver). See Etymonline.
What does the suffix "-cide" in the word "homicide" mean?
Killing or killer
Study of
Love of
Fear of
The suffix "-cide" comes from Latin "caedere" meaning to kill. In "homicide," it refers to killing a human. Other examples include pesticide (killing pests) and suicide (killing oneself). More at Etymonline.
What does the prefix "ultra-" mean in the word "ultraviolet"?
Beyond or excessive
Within
Below
Opposite
The prefix "ultra-" comes from Latin meaning beyond or excessive. "Ultraviolet" radiation lies beyond the violet end of the visible spectrum. It is used to denote extremes or excess, such as "ultramodern." See Etymonline.
What does the suffix "-archy" mean in the word "monarchy"?
Rule or government
Ancient
Love or fondness
Writing
The suffix "-archy" comes from Greek "arkhia" meaning rule or government. In "monarchy," it refers to rule by one. Other examples include oligarchy (rule by few) and anarchy (without rule). More at Etymonline.
What does the prefix "sesqui-" mean in the word "sesquicentennial"?
One and a half times
One hundred
Half
Twice
The prefix "sesqui-" comes from Latin "sesqui" meaning one and a half. "Sesquicentennial" marks one and a half centuries (150 years). It is a rare but precise quantitative prefix. See Etymonline.
In the word "libertarian," what does the suffix "-arian" signify?
Belonging to or relating to
One who practices
Condition of
Small or little
The suffix "-arian" originates from Latin "-arius" indicating belonging to or relating to. In "libertarian," it describes someone relating to liberty. It forms adjectives and agent nouns like "vegetarian." More at Etymonline.
What does the prefix "xero-" mean in the word "xerophyte"?
Dry
Water
Plant
Stone
The prefix "xero-" comes from Greek "xeros" meaning dry. A "xerophyte" is a plant adapted to dry conditions. Other examples include "xerography" (dry writing). See Etymonline.
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Study Outcomes
Identify Key SAT Prefixes and Suffixes -
Recognize and recall 25 of the most common SAT vocabulary roots, prefixes, and suffixes to build a strong foundation for word analysis.
Analyze Root Word Structures -
Break down complex words into their core roots, prefixes, and suffixes to uncover their meanings and usage patterns.
Apply Vocabulary Roots to New Words -
Use your knowledge of prefixes and suffixes to deduce the definitions of unfamiliar SAT-level terms in real-time.
Distinguish Between Similar Word Parts -
Compare and contrast prefixes and suffixes that look alike but carry different meanings to avoid common mistakes.
Strengthen Memory Through Practice -
Reinforce your understanding of SAT vocabulary roots with targeted quiz questions designed for long-term retention.
Cheat Sheet
Identify Greek and Latin Roots -
Understanding foundational Greek and Latin roots (e.g., chrono- meaning "time" or bio- meaning "life") forms the backbone of sat vocabulary roots prefix and suffix mastery and unlocks dozens of high-frequency words. A handy mnemonic like BIO-CHRON helps you recall roots when tackling new terms in the Official SAT Study Guide.
Master Key SAT Prefixes -
Prefix clues such as pre- ("before"), re- ("again") and un- ("not") often determine core meaning on test day. Use the "PRUMD" acronym (Pre, Re, Un, Mis, Dis) recommended by Merriam-Webster to drill each sat prefix quickly.
Leverage Suffix Strategies -
Suffixes like -able, -tion, and -ity transform verbs into adjectives or nouns (e.g., manage → manageable). According to Purdue University's Online Writing Lab, recognizing sat suffixes helps you infer part of speech and navigate reading passages with confidence.
Build Word Families -
Clustering words with the same root (e.g., dict: dictation, dictionary, contradict) deepens memory and understanding. The University of Texas at Austin recommends "root maps" to visually organize sat vocabulary roots for efficient review.
Apply Contextual Etymology -
Reviewing words in context solidifies how sat prefixes and suffixes adjust meaning and disambiguates forms like in- (not/in). The College Board's Official SAT Study Guide encourages noting etymology in practice passages to reinforce long-term retention.
