Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings - SSAT Elementary Level Verbal

A "manual" is a handbook or a written guide on how to do something or directions included with a product that explain how to use it. So, "handbook" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "manual": a "telescope" is a device you use to look at things in outer space; and "binoculars" are a device that you use to look at something far away.

"Potential" means possible or perhaps occurring in the future. So, the answer choice closest in meaning to "potential" is "possible," which means able to happen. For additional help, "susceptible" means able to be affected by something negative, "adaptable" means able to change to meet the needs of different circumstances, and "abnormal" means not normal.

To "advocate" means to argue in support of something, so "argue for" is the correct answer. To help you, "permit" means allow, "shiver" means shake back and forth due to cold or fear, and "kindle" means inspire a certain feeling or cause to be on fire.

"Document," when used as a verb, means record something in written form, photographic form, or another form. As a noun, "document" means recorded information in the form of a paper with text on it.Seeing as "record" is mentioned in document's definition, record is clearly our best answer!

"Sovereign" is defined as possessing supreme or ultimate power, so "supreme" is the best answer choice. The word "sovereign" is often used when referring to government officials who wield a great deal of power and influence over the masses.

“Endeavor” means seriously and continually try to do something, and an “endeavor” is an activity directed toward a goal. Likewise, an “undertaking” is an activity directed towards a goal, so "undertaking" is the correct answer. You can say a long “journey” is a great endeavor or a big undertaking, for instance, but “journey” is not synonymous with "endeavor" or "undertaking." “Search” means look for, and “explore” means adventure or look around an area with which you are not familiar.

When used as a verb, "buff" means "polish" or burnish, so "polish" is the correct answer.

BEAR may refer to several things, but the only option that has one of its meanings is withstand.

To MARKET something means to promote it.

When used as a noun, "conduct" means behavior or deportment, so "behavior" is the correct answer. (Perhaps your school has a "code of conduct" that explains rules about behavior.) None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "conduct": a “legend” is a myth; a "citadel" is a fortress; "comprehension" is understanding; and a "stitch" is a unit in knitting or in a seam in sewing.

"Soil" can mean dirt when used as a noun, but because none of the answer choices can be used as nouns, this isn't the meaning that you should consider. When used as a verb, "soil" means cause to become dirty; "soiled clothing" is dirty clothing. Given this, the correct answer is "stain," as when something is "stained," it is made dirty through unwanted markings, or "soiled." As for the other answer choices, "wash," when used as a verb, is an antonym, or opposite, of "soil," because while "soil" means cause to become dirty, "wash" means cause to become clean through the use of soap and water. "Insist," "dangle," and "whisk" are not related in meaning to "soil": "insist" means demand to have one's way; "dangle" means suspend in midair; and "stir" means mix something to blend its parts together.

To “brawl” means to fight, usually in a wild manner or, when used as a noun, just such a wild fight. To provide further help, “inspect” means to look at, and “goad” means to say things in order to try and get someone to do something stupid. It means something similar to “provoke” or “encourage.”

The words "fold" and "crease" are synonymous and refer to a marked bend in something. The other words do not share this meaning; however, they are interesting because they all have multiple meanings. Try brainstorming a few of them and challenge yourself by figuring out if the words you come up with are adjectives, verbs, or nouns.

The words "fuel" and "feed" are synonymous verbs_._ Note that "fuel," when used as a noun, cannot be used identify the correct solution. Consider that words sometimes have multiple meanings and functions as parts of speech. The other answer choices are not at all related in meaning to "fuel" (as a verb). Consider that when someone adds "fuel" to a fire, he or she is "feeding" the fire.

In this case, the word "frame" functions as a verb and can be used to describe the action of using false evidence to get someone in trouble: "The hero, who was being framed by his archenemy, told the police that he was set up. The other words, except for picture, have to do with language usage. A "picture" might be something you put in a "frame"; however a "picture" is not in itself a "frame."

The verb "wind" is synonymous with "twist": "Wind the wire around the coil, twisting it until the coil is completely covered." The other words are not verbs and are not at all related to the verb (or the noun) wind. "Airborne" might seem similar to the word wind; however, "airborne" actually is an adjective describing something that is in the air.

The verbs "face" and "confront" are synonymous. "Face your fears; confront them courageously." The other words may seem related to the noun "face" (not the verb), but they are not synonyms. A person might have a "pimple" on his or her "face," wear "glasses_,"_ or use "make-up" such as "eyeliner." A _"_face" (noun) is not the same as "glasses" or a "pimple."

The nouns "want" and "lack" are synonymous: "His want of patience was related to his lack of satisfaction." The nouns "change" (think money) and "remainder" are closely related. "Loss" and "failure" are also closely related.

"Spent" can be used as a past tense verb that means gave someone money. However when used as an adjective, it means tired or exhausted. To help you, "enthused" means excited about something, "assisted" means helped, and "touched" means either felt or affected emotionally.

When used as a noun, "master" means an expert at something, but none of the answer choices are close in meaning to expert, so the word "master" must be being used in another way. When used as a verb, "master" means to become skilled at a certain activity, so "learn," which means gain knowledge about something or how to do something, is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "master": "mature" means grow and develop; "mistake" means accidentally misidentify someone or something as someone or something else; "disclose" means reveal information; and "apply" means request or be relevant to.