Chapter 2 of 813% of exam

Word Knowledge

Word Knowledge measures the size of your vocabulary and your ability to choose the word that most nearly means a given word. Questions may present a word alone or used in a sentence, and you pick the closest synonym from four choices. A strong vocabulary, combined with strategies for unfamiliar words, is the key to this subtest, which also feeds the AFQT score.

Understanding Synonyms and Context

Every question asks for the answer that most nearly means the target word. Sometimes context in a sentence narrows the meaning, so read the whole prompt before choosing.

Look for most nearly means

The task is the closest match in meaning, not a perfect definition, so choose the best available option.

Use sentence context

When the word appears in a sentence, let the surrounding words guide which meaning applies.

Beware of multiple meanings

Many words have more than one meaning; pick the one that fits the way the word is used.

Eliminate opposites

Test writers often include an antonym as a trap, so rule out choices that mean the reverse.

Using Word Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes

Breaking a word into parts often reveals its meaning even when the whole word is unfamiliar. Common Latin and Greek roots appear across many English words.

Recognize common roots

Roots such as port meaning carry or spect meaning look appear in many words and hint at meaning.

Use prefixes

A prefix like un- or in- often reverses meaning, while re- suggests again and pre- suggests before.

Use suffixes

Endings such as -ful, -less, or -tion signal whether a word is describing, lacking, or naming something.

Combine the clues

Assemble the meanings of the parts to make a reasonable guess at the whole word.

Educated Guessing Strategies

You will meet words you do not know. Systematic elimination and reasoning raise your odds well above random guessing, and the ASVAB does not penalize wrong answers.

Eliminate clearly wrong choices

Remove any option you are sure is unrelated to improve your odds among the rest.

Judge positive or negative tone

Decide whether the word feels positive or negative and match it to a choice with the same tone.

Think of the word in a sentence

Use the target word in a familiar phrase to sense its meaning before checking the options.

Never leave a blank

Because there is no wrong-answer penalty, always mark your best guess.

Building Vocabulary Over Time

Long-term reading and study are the surest way to raise your Word Knowledge score. Consistent exposure to new words builds the base the test rewards.

Read widely

Regular reading of articles and books exposes you to words in natural context.

Keep a word list

Write down unfamiliar words with their meanings and review them often.

Learn words in groups

Study related synonyms together so you can distinguish shades of meaning.

Use new words actively

Speaking and writing with new words cements them in memory for test day.

Test your knowledge

Practice questions on Word Knowledge

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Last updated: September 2026

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