Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Word Knowledge (WK) Syllabus

Word Knowledge (WK) syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Word Knowledge (WK) in Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Vocabulary Foundations

   3 topics

   • Synonyms and Word Meaning
     • Identifying closest synonyms
     • Connotation and denotation
   • Antonyms and Word Relationships
     • Recognizing opposites
     • Shades of meaning
   • Words in Context
     • Determining meaning from sentence clues
     • Multiple-meaning words
2. 2

   Word Structure and Etymology

   3 topics

   • Prefixes
     • Negation prefixes (un-, dis-, non-)
     • Quantity and direction prefixes
   • Suffixes
     • Noun, verb, and adjective suffixes
     • Effect of suffixes on part of speech
   • Root Words
     • Common Latin roots
     • Common Greek roots
3. 3

   Vocabulary-Building Strategies

   3 topics

   • Context and Elimination Techniques
     • Process of elimination
     • Using positive/negative word charge
   • High-Frequency ASVAB Word Lists
     • Commonly tested academic words
     • Frequently confused word pairs
   • Test-Taking for Word Knowledge
     • Time management per item
     • Educated guessing

Word Knowledge (WK) flashcards for Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

21 of 49 cards from the Word Knowledge (WK) deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What is a synonym, and why does the ASVAB Word Knowledge section test them?

   A synonym is a word with the same or nearly the same meaning as another word (e.g., 'happy' and 'joyful'). The ASVAB WK section frequently asks you to pick the answer choice closest in meaning to a given word.

2. What is an antonym, and how do antonym-style WK questions differ from synonym questions?

   An antonym is a word with the opposite meaning (e.g., 'expand' vs. 'contract'). Synonym questions ask for the closest meaning; you must read carefully because the ASVAB usually wants the synonym, and antonyms are often placed as trap distractors.

3. In the ASVAB, what does it mean to define a word 'in context'?

   It means determining a word's meaning based on how it is used in a surrounding sentence, since the same word can have multiple meanings and the sentence reveals which one applies.

4. Define the synonym: ABATE

   To lessen, reduce, or subside (e.g., the storm began to abate).

5. Define the synonym: BENEVOLENT

   Kind, generous, well-meaning.

6. Define the synonym: CANDID

   Honest, frank, and straightforward.

7. Define the synonym: DETER

   To discourage or prevent someone from doing something.

8. Define the synonym: ELOQUENT

   Fluent, persuasive, and expressive in speaking or writing.

9. Define the synonym: FRUGAL

   Thrifty; careful and economical with money or resources.

10. Define the synonym: GREGARIOUS

    Sociable; fond of the company of others.

11. Define the synonym: HAMPER

    To hinder, impede, or restrict movement or progress.

12. Define the synonym: LUCID

    Clear, easily understood; thinking clearly.

13. Define the synonym: MITIGATE

    To make less severe, serious, or painful; to alleviate.

14. Define the synonym: NOVICE

    A beginner or someone new to a field or activity.

15. Define the synonym: OBSOLETE

    Out of date; no longer in use or useful.

16. Define the synonym: PRUDENT

    Wise, careful, and sensible in practical matters.

17. Define the synonym: TENACIOUS

    Persistent; holding firmly to a purpose and not giving up.

18. What is the antonym of ABUNDANT?

    Scarce (abundant means plentiful; scarce means in short supply).

19. What is the antonym of DILIGENT?

    Lazy or negligent (diligent means hardworking and careful).

20. What is the antonym of EXPAND?

    Contract or shrink.

21. What is the antonym of TRANSPARENT?

    Opaque (transparent means see-through; opaque means not see-through).

See more Word Knowledge (WK) flashcards →

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