ASVAB Practice Test · Word Knowledge
ASVAB Practice Test: Vocabulary Concepts
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Overview
This chapter is about word meanings. Each question gives a word, either by itself or inside a sentence, and asks which choice means most nearly the same thing. A wide vocabulary helps most, but a few skills can help you handle words you are not sure about.
When the word is in a sentence, read the whole sentence first. The other words often give a clue, such as a contrast word like but or although, or an example that explains the meaning. Try putting each answer choice in place of the word and see which one keeps the sentence's meaning.
Word parts are another strong tool. A root carries the main meaning, a prefix at the front changes it, and a suffix at the end often shows whether the word is a noun, verb, or adjective. For example, the prefix un- means not, and the root port means carry.
Some words also have a positive or negative feeling. If you can tell whether a word sounds good or bad, you can often rule out choices with the opposite feeling. Read all the choices before you pick, because two may look close and only one is the best match.
Key concepts
Synonym
A word that means the same or nearly the same as another word. Most questions in this test ask for a synonym.
Memory tipSynonym = same meaning.
Antonym
A word with the opposite meaning. Antonyms often appear as wrong choices to trap a quick reader.
Memory tipMake sure you did not pick the opposite.
Context clues
Hints from the words around an unknown word, such as an example, a definition, or a contrast word like but or however.
Memory tipSwap each choice into the sentence and reread it.
Prefix
A word part at the start that changes the meaning. Examples: un- and in- (not), pre- (before), re- (again), sub- (under).
Memory tipPrefix comes first.
Root
The core part of a word that carries its main meaning. Examples: port (carry), dict (say), spect (look), bene (good).
Memory tipTransport, portable, and import all involve carrying.
Suffix
A word part at the end that often shows the word's role. Examples: -less (without), -ful (full of), -able (can be), -tion (an act or state).
Memory tipFearless means without fear.
Often tested
- Read the whole sentence before choosing.
- Pick the choice closest in meaning, not the opposite.
- Break long words into prefix, root, and suffix.
- Use a word's positive or negative feeling to rule out choices.
- Read every choice before you answer.
Easy to confuse: Word parts
| Part | Where it goes | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Prefix | Front of the word | re- in redo (again) |
| Root | Core of the word | spect in inspect (look) |
| Suffix | End of the word | -less in careless (without) |
3 sample questions
Verified practice questions from this unit.
Question 1. Abundant most nearly means:
- ① costly
- ② heavy
- ③ plentiful
- ④ scarce
▼ Show answer and explanation▲ Hide answer and explanation
Answer: ③ plentiful
Key point: Abundant = plentiful
Abundant means existing in large amounts, or plentiful. Example: "The farm had an abundant harvest."
Wrong choices
- (A) costly: Costly means expensive, not plentiful.
- (B) heavy: Heavy describes weight, not amount.
- (D) scarce: Scarce means hard to find, which is the opposite of abundant.
Question 2. Candid most nearly means:
- ① cheerful
- ② honest
- ③ careful
- ④ secret
▼ Show answer and explanation▲ Hide answer and explanation
Answer: ② honest
Key point: Candid = honest and open
A candid person speaks openly and honestly. Example: "She gave a candid opinion of the plan."
Wrong choices
- (A) cheerful: Cheerful means happy, not honest.
- (C) careful: Careful means taking care to avoid mistakes, not speaking openly.
- (D) secret: Secret is almost the opposite of candid.
Question 3. The manager decided to postpone the meeting until Friday. Postpone most nearly means:
- ① cancel
- ② delay
- ③ attend
- ④ plan
▼ Show answer and explanation▲ Hide answer and explanation
Answer: ② delay
Key point: Postpone = delay to a later time
To postpone is to move something to a later time. The words "until Friday" show that the meeting will still happen, just later.
Wrong choices
- (A) cancel: Cancel means to call off for good; "until Friday" shows the meeting will still happen.
- (C) attend: Attend means to go to the meeting.
- (D) plan: Plan means to arrange in advance, not to move to a later time.