247SimpleTests
ASVAB · Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes

The suffix '-OLOGY' in BIOLOGY, GEOLOGY, and PSYCHOLOGY indicates:

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

The study of something

  1. A A place
  2. B A small version
  3. C The study of something
  4. D The fear of something

Why this is the answer

The suffix -OLOGY means the study or science of a subject. BIOLOGY is the study of life (bio = life), GEOLOGY the study of the earth (geo = earth), and PSYCHOLOGY the study of the mind (psych = mind). When you see -OLOGY ending an unfamiliar word, you can infer it names a field of study. Combine that with the root to estimate the topic — for example, 'zoology' (zoo = animal) is the study of animals. Knowing common suffixes like -OLOGY (study of), -PHOBIA (fear of), and -ITIS (inflammation) helps decode technical vocabulary on the test.
Source: ASVAB Word Knowledge — Roots and Prefixes

Practice more questions

This question is from our ASVAB Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes and other topics.

Take the Word Knowledge practice test →

About this topic: Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes

Roots, prefixes and suffixes let you decode words you have never seen: bene- (good), mal- (bad), -ology (study of), circum- (around). Learning fifty common word parts covers a surprising share of the section. This is one of 6 Word Knowledge questions on roots, prefixes, and suffixes, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our ASVAB exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes

The prefix 'pre-' in the word PRECEDE means:

 Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes

The root 'spec' in INSPECT and SPECTATOR means:

 Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes

The suffix '-able' or '-ible' in CAPABLE, READABLE, EDIBLE means:

 Roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes

The prefix 'MAL-' in words like MALFUNCTION and MALADY indicates:

Recommended study materials

Study guide

ASVAB Total Prep (Kaplan)

Kaplan's complete ASVAB guide with 1,000+ practice questions, 6 full-length tests, and AFQT focus.

Check Price → Study guide

Barron's ASVAB with Online Tests 12th Ed.

Comprehensive ASVAB review for all nine subtests with full-length practice exams and online tools.

Check Price → Study guide

ASVAB for Dummies 4th Ed. (Wiley)

Accessible, thorough ASVAB prep covering all subtests with tips for boosting your AFQT score.

Check Price →

As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links above are affiliate links. Full disclosure →