Key Takeaways
- Word Knowledge (WK) tests vocabulary through synonym questions in 8 minutes (16 questions on CAT-ASVAB).
- Word roots, prefixes, and suffixes help decode unfamiliar words - learn the most common ones.
- Context clues in sentences can reveal word meanings even when you do not know the definition.
- WK contributes to your Verbal Expression (VE) score, which is DOUBLED in the AFQT formula.
- Building vocabulary through regular reading is the best long-term strategy for WK success.
Word Knowledge Basics
The Word Knowledge (WK) subtest is one of the most important parts of the ASVAB. Together with Paragraph Comprehension, it forms your Verbal Expression (VE) score, which is DOUBLED in the AFQT calculation. This makes verbal skills extremely valuable for your overall score.
WK Subtest Overview
| Format | CAT-ASVAB | Paper ASVAB |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 16 | 35 |
| Time | 8 minutes | 11 minutes |
| Seconds per Question | 30 | 19 |
Question Formats
The WK subtest uses two main question formats:
Format 1: Direct Definition
"Abate most nearly means:" A. Increase B. Reduce C. Create D. Destroy
Format 2: Context Sentence
"The soldier showed remarkable fortitude during the difficult mission." A. Strength B. Intelligence C. Courage D. Speed
The Power of Word Parts
Understanding word roots, prefixes, and suffixes is the most powerful strategy for decoding unfamiliar words. Most English words come from Latin and Greek roots, and knowing these building blocks helps you figure out meanings.
Common Prefixes
| Prefix | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| anti- | against | antiwar, antibiotic, antisocial |
| bene- | good, well | benefit, benevolent, beneficial |
| circum- | around | circumference, circumstance |
| dis- | not, opposite | disagree, disappear, disloyal |
| inter- | between | international, intercept, interact |
| mal- | bad | malfunction, malicious, malnourished |
| mis- | wrong | mistake, mislead, misunderstand |
| pre- | before | preview, predict, precaution |
| sub- | under | submarine, subtract, submerge |
| trans- | across | transport, transfer, translate |
| un- | not | unhappy, unclear, unfair |
Common Roots
| Root | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| aud | hear | audio, audible, audience |
| belli | war | rebellion, belligerent, bellicose |
| cred | believe | credit, credible, incredible |
| dict | say, speak | dictionary, predict, contradict |
| duc/duct | lead | conduct, produce, deduct |
| graph | write | photograph, autograph, biography |
| ject | throw | reject, inject, project |
| port | carry | transport, export, portable |
| scrib/script | write | describe, prescription, manuscript |
| spec | see, look | spectator, inspect, respect |
| terr | earth, land | terrain, territory, terrestrial |
| vid/vis | see | video, visible, vision |
Common Suffixes
| Suffix | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| -able/-ible | capable of | readable, flexible, visible |
| -ful | full of | helpful, careful, thankful |
| -less | without | hopeless, careless, fearless |
| -ment | action, result | movement, agreement, statement |
| -ness | state of being | happiness, darkness, kindness |
| -ous | full of | dangerous, famous, nervous |
| -tion/-sion | act, process | action, decision, conclusion |
Breaking Down Words
When you encounter an unfamiliar word, break it into parts:
Example: "Incredulous"
- in- = not
- cred = believe
- -ulous = inclined to
Meaning: Not inclined to believe = skeptical, doubtful
Example: "Malevolent"
- mal- = bad
- vol = will, wish
- -ent = having the quality of
Meaning: Having bad will = wishing harm, evil
Example: "Circumspect"
- circum- = around
- spec = look
Meaning: Looking around = cautious, careful
Context Clue Strategies
When a word appears in a sentence, use these context clue types:
| Clue Type | Signal Words | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | is, means, refers to | "Benevolent, meaning kind and generous, describes her nature." |
| Synonym | or, also known as | "The soldier was intrepid, or fearless, in battle." |
| Antonym | but, however, unlike | "Unlike her timid sister, she was audacious." |
| Example | such as, for example | "Carnivores, such as lions and wolves, eat meat." |
| Inference | (implied by situation) | "After the victory, the team was jubilant, cheering and celebrating." |
Key Takeaways
- Word Knowledge contributes to VE, which is doubled in AFQT.
- Learn common prefixes, roots, and suffixes to decode unfamiliar words.
- Use context clues to infer meaning from sentences.
- Practice breaking words into parts daily.
- Read regularly to build natural vocabulary.
The prefix "mal-" means:
If "cred" means "believe," what does "incredible" most nearly mean?
"The belligerent nations refused to negotiate peace." Belligerent most nearly means:
Which suffix means "without"?