SSAT Elementary Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SSAT Elementary Level Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #31 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

ADVENTUROUS

Possible Answers:

Wealthy

Daring

Energetic

Horrific

Anemic

Correct answer:

Daring

Explanation:

"Adventurous" is defined as willing to take risks or try out new things. Since "daring" is defined as adventurous or bold, it is the best answer choice.

Example Question #32 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

INTELLECTUAL

Possible Answers:

Cerebellum

Interesting

Dangerous

Lyrical

Educated

Correct answer:

Educated

Explanation:

"Intellectual" is defined as relating to reasoning and understanding, especially with regard to abstract and rational matters; thus "educated" is the best answer choice.

Example Question #33 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

COARSE

Possible Answers:

Verbose

Vulgar

Soft

Dull

High

Correct answer:

Vulgar

Explanation:

Coarse means rough in texture or rude and vulgar, so "vulgar" is the correct answer. For instance, swear words are often referred to as "coarse language" or "vulgar language."

Example Question #34 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

MILD

Possible Answers:

Gentle

Understanding

Congratulatory

Doubtful

Harsh

Correct answer:

Gentle

Explanation:

"Mild" is an adjective that can mean gentle or moderate. So, "harsh" cannot be the correct answer, because "harsh" is an adjective that can mean severe, making it an antonym, not a synonym, of "mild." "Gentle," however, is an adjective that means mild and tender or moderate. So, because "gentle" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "mild," "gentle" is the correct answer.

Example Question #35 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

TIMID

Possible Answers:

Calm 

Silent 

Shy 

Bold 

Audible 

Correct answer:

Shy 

Explanation:

"Timid" means shy, so "shy" is the correct answer. To help you, "bold" means brave and confident, and "audible" means able to be heard. (The root "aud" is often found in words that have to do with hearing, like "auditory" (having to do with sound and hearing) and "auditorium" (a large room in which concerts and performances are held).)

Example Question #36 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

VALIANT

Possible Answers:

Humorous 

Meek 

Shocked 

Brave 

Timid 

Correct answer:

Brave 

Explanation:

Someone who is "valiant" is very brave, so "brave" is the correct answer. To help you, "humorous" means funny, "shocked" means surprised, and "meek" and "timid" are both synonyms of shy.

Example Question #37 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

METICULOUS

Possible Answers:

Disastrous 

Synchronized 

Precise 

Uncoordinated

Severed

Correct answer:

Precise 

Explanation:

“Meticulous” means careful or paying attention to detail, which is the same as if someone is “precise,” which means paying attention to detail. So, "precise" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "meticulous": “uncoordinated” means not organized or clumsy; “synchronized” means in or on time with something; “severed” means cut off; and “disastrous” means unfortunate or terrible.

Example Question #38 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

RELIABLE

Possible Answers:

Unsteady

Hearty

Astounding

Dependable

Interesting

Correct answer:

Dependable

Explanation:

"Reliable" means able to be relied on or trustworthy, so the answer choice that is closest in meaning to "reliable" is "dependable," which means able to be depended on or trustworthy. "Irresponsible" is an opposite, or antonym, of "reliable," and means not acting responsibly or not able to be relied upon. None of the other answer choices are related in meaning to "reliable": "hearty" means substantial when referring to food and boisterous and cheerful when referring to people; "astounding" means amazing or shocking; and "interesting" means holding one's attention or fascinating.

Example Question #39 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

COMPASSIONATE

Possible Answers:

Needy

Wonderful

Kind

Trusting

Sympathetic

Correct answer:

Kind

Explanation:

To be compassionate is to be caring. "Kind" means caring and supportive, and thus is a close synonym to "compassionate."

Example Question #40 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

CANNY

Possible Answers:

Wistful

Clever 

Perilous 

Fortunate 

Foolish 

Correct answer:

Clever 

Explanation:

Someone who is “canny” is sneaky, clever, and cunning. In nature, foxes are often described as “canny,” while in human society, you might call a politician or a salesman “canny.” To provide further help, “foolish” means silly; “wistful” means thinking about the past in a sad way; “perilous” means dangerous; “fortunate” means lucky.

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