HSPT Verbal : Synonyms

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #81 : Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

BUCOLIC

Possible Answers:

Metropolitan

Recondite

Pastoral

Bothersome

Counterfeit

Correct answer:

Pastoral

Explanation:

"Bucolic" and "pastoral" both mean agrarian or rural. "Metropolitan" means urban or municipal. "Counterfeit" means fake or simulated. "Recondite" means mysterious or obscure. "Mettlesome" means brave or spirited.

Example Question #82 : Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

VERDANT

Possible Answers:

Lush

Truthful

Verified

Conventional

Agreeable

Correct answer:

Lush

Explanation:

Perhaps you have heard of “salsa verde,” or green salsa. The word “verdant” is related to the word for green in Latin as well as Spanish ("verde") and French ("vert"). It means green with plant growth, usually describing the countryside. In some translations of the Bible, one finds the expression, “in verdant pastures,” describing the location of the shepherd’s work. This means in green, lively pastures. Thus, among the options provided, “lush” is the best, as it means growing to a great degree.

Example Question #13 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Location, And Movement

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

INDIGENOUS

Possible Answers:

Native

Trudging

Impoverished

Destitute

Toiling

Correct answer:

Native

Explanation:

The word “indigenous” means “native to a given location” or at least coming from that place. For instance, one can speak of the “indigenous people” living in Australia as opposed to the British settlers who later arrived there. Do not confuse the word “indigenous” with “indigent,” which means “poor” or “needy.”

Example Question #21 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Location, And Movement

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

BLEAK

Possible Answers:

Flagrant

Desolate

Perceptive

Fertile

Abundant

Correct answer:

Desolate

Explanation:

“Bleak” means desolate, bare, lifeless, and depressing. A situation can also be “bleak,” which means hopeless. As for the other answer choices, “fertile" can mean able to produce lots of vegetation and crops; "abundant" means found in large numbers; “perceptive” means insightful, sensitive, and noticing many things; and "flagrant" means overt and brazen and is often used to describe instances in which someone purposely breaks rules.

Example Question #22 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Location, And Movement

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

AGRARIAN

Possible Answers:

Trite

Rustic

Growing

Angry

Natural

Correct answer:

Rustic

Explanation:

"Agrarian" is an adjective that means pertaining to the countryside or farmers. The best choice is "rustic" because it shares the meaning of pertaining to the countryside. Considering the other choices, "angry" is not appropriate because it means expressing anger, "trite" means meaningless due to overuse"Growing" and "natural" may each seem like good answer choices because they have connotations related to farms and farming, but "rustic" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "agrarian," so it is the correct answer.

Example Question #31 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

"Languid" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

prone

overwhelmed

discontent

sluggish

annoyed

Correct answer:

sluggish

Explanation:

Whenever someone is "languishing," he or she does not have energy. The adjective "languid" describes a person who is at least acting like he or she does not have much energy. Sometimes it has the connotation of being lazy, though it can merely mean that a person is being sluggish or slow in his or her actions.

Example Question #32 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

"Impassioned" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

mercurial

weepy

fervent

vexed

emotional

Correct answer:

fervent

Explanation:

A person who is "impassioned" can also be described by the simpler adjective "passionate." Such a person displays great energy in his or her devotion to a given topic or activity. "Fervor" is an intense emotional state. When someone is described as being "fervid," he or she is passionate.

Example Question #83 : Synonyms

"Conscientious" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

neurotic

moralistic

judgmental

religious

diligent

Correct answer:

diligent

Explanation:

When someone is described as being "conscientious," this means that he or she has a desire to follow his or her own conscience when executing his or her duties and obligations. Such a person desires to do things correctly and ably—as opposed to someone who merely wishes to do "well enough" without worrying about doing a good job. We would also describe such a conscientious person as being "diligent."

Example Question #84 : Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

DOUR

Possible Answers:

dilapidated

ecstatic

impartial

grim

banal

Correct answer:

grim

Explanation:

"Dour" is an adjective that refers to someone's manner or appearance and has a few different meanings, including gloomy and austere. While "dilapidated" sounds like it might be a good answer choice, it means in poor condition due to having been neglected over time—not quite what we're looking for. "Grim," on the other hand, can mean somber or gloomy and is the closest in meaning to "dour," so it is the best answer choice.

Example Question #35 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

PRUDENT

Possible Answers:

sly

deceptive

critical

judgmental

judicious

Correct answer:

judicious

Explanation:

The word “prudent” has perhaps received a bad sense in its standard usage by most English-speakers. One will at times speak of “prudent” people who know how to work things to their gain. For instance, someone might be called “prudent” for keeping silent about opinions instead of insulting someone who might give him or her a job; however, the word “prudent” is of much nobler origins, meaning discerning or even wise in practical action. For this reason, among the options provided, the best option is “judicious,” meaning judging well. This meaning will cover the more negative uses but likewise applies to the nobler notions of “prudence.”

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