Word Knowledge

Success on the Word Knowledge section of the ASVAB requires a strong grasp of vocabulary, word meanings, and the ability to determine definitions based on context. This study guide will cover essential word roots, prefixes, and suffixes, along with strategies for identifying synonyms, antonyms, and understanding word relationships. By mastering these concepts, you’ll improve your ability to recognize and apply vocabulary effectively, boosting your overall ASVAB score.

1. Understanding the Importance of Word Knowledge

  • Why Vocabulary Matters in the Military
    • Effective communication is essential for following orders, writing reports, and giving instructions.
    • Strong word knowledge improves comprehension of manuals, technical instructions, and military protocols.
  • Impact on ASVAB Scores and Military Job Eligibility
    • The Word Knowledge (WK) subtest contributes to the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score, which determines enlistment eligibility.
    • High WK scores improve job placement opportunities in military occupational specialties (MOS) that require strong verbal skills.
  • How Communication Skills Impact Military Performance
    • Clear and precise communication prevents misunderstandings that could lead to errors in combat and daily operations.
    • Enhanced vocabulary strengthens problem-solving and decision-making skills.

2. Types of Word Knowledge Questions

  • Definition Questions
    • Require choosing the word closest in meaning to the given word.
    • Example: The soldier displayed exemplary conduct.
      • A. Ordinary
      • B. Outstanding (Correct Answer)
      • C. Questionable
      • D. Unknown
  • Context Clue Questions
    • Determine the word’s meaning based on how it’s used in a sentence.
    • Example: The commander’s orders were ambiguous, leaving the soldiers confused.
      • A. Unclear (Correct Answer)
      • B. Direct
      • C. Simple
      • D. Short
  • Synonyms and Antonyms
    • Synonyms: Words with similar meanings.
      • Example: Rapid → Fast
    • Antonyms: Words with opposite meanings.
      • Example: Benevolent (kind) vs. Malevolent (evil)

3. Strategies for Deciphering Word Meanings

  • Using Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots
    • Breaking down unfamiliar words into smaller parts to understand their meaning.
    • Example: “Unbelievable” → Un- (not) + believe (root) + -able (capable of) = “Not capable of being believed.”
  • Word Families
    • Recognizing words that share common roots.
    • Example: Educate, educator, education (all share the root “educ-,” meaning to teach).
  • Deconstructing Words
    • Analyzing common prefixes, roots, and suffixes to infer meaning.
    • Example: “Photograph” → Photo- (light) + -graph (writing) = “writing with light” (a picture).
  • Process of Elimination
    • Eliminating answer choices that are clearly incorrect to increase the chances of choosing the correct answer.
  • Creating Context
    • Using the word in a sentence to deduce meaning.
    • Example: The sergeant’s orders were succinct, requiring little explanation. (Hint: A long, complicated explanation would be the opposite.)
  • Connotation Clues
    • Recognizing whether a word has a positive or negative meaning.
    • Example: Generous (positive) vs. Stingy (negative).
  • Signal Words for Comparison & Contrast
    • Identifying key words that indicate similarity or contrast.
    • Example: Unlike or however signal contrast; likewise or similarly signal similarity.
  • Word Replacement Technique
    • Substituting answer choices into the sentence to see which one makes the most sense.
  • Parts of Speech Awareness
    • Using suffixes to determine if a word is a noun, verb, or adjective.
    • Example: *”-tion” (education) is a noun, while “-ing” (running) is a verb.

4. Common Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots

Prefixes (Beginning of a Word)

Prefix Meaning Example
a- / an- Without, not Atypical (not typical)
ab- Away from Absent (away)
bi- Two Bicycle (two wheels)
circum- Around Circumference (distance around)
contra- Against Contradict (speak against)
de- Opposite Defrost (remove frost)
extra- Beyond Extraordinary (beyond ordinary)
mal- Bad Malfunction (bad function)
un- Not Unhappy (not happy)

Suffixes (End of a Word)

Suffix Meaning Example
-able / -ible Capable of Flexible (able to bend)
-ful Full of Joyful (full of joy)
-ment Action/process Commitment (act of committing)
-ous Full of Courageous (full of courage)
-tion / -ion State of being Operation (act of operating)

Common Root Words

Root Meaning Example
anthro Human Anthropology (study of humans)
bibl Book Bibliography (list of books)
dict Say Dictate (speak aloud)
liber Free Liberty (freedom)
tract Pull Tractor (pulling machine)
voc Voice Vocal (related to voice)

5. Building Vocabulary for the ASVAB

  • Keeping a Vocabulary List
    • Write down unfamiliar words and review them regularly.
  • Using a Dictionary & Thesaurus
    • Look up definitions and find synonyms/antonyms to expand knowledge.
  • Recognizing Word Parts
    • Identify prefixes, roots, and suffixes to determine meaning.

6. Word Knowledge Test-Taking Tips

  • Read All Answer Choices Before Selecting One
    • Some options may seem correct but have subtle differences.
  • Use Context Clues When Unsure
    • Look at the surrounding words to infer meaning.
  • Identify Similar Word Structures
    • If a word resembles another familiar word, their meanings may be related.
  • Practice with Sample Questions
    • Improves speed and accuracy.
  • Strategic Guessing
    • If unsure, eliminate the least likely answers before making an educated guess.

Mastering these strategies and concepts can improve your ASVAB Word Knowledge score and boost your overall military qualification potential. Keep practicing, build your vocabulary, and approach the test with confidence