SSAT Elementary Level Verbal : Synonyms: Determining Part of Speech

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

BRAWL

Possible Answers:

Carry

Inspect

Goad 

Fight 

Sickness

Correct answer:

Fight 

Explanation:

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.”

Example Question #31 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings

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

POTENTIAL

Possible Answers:

Abnormal 

Possible

Susceptible

Normal 

Adaptable

Correct answer:

Possible

Explanation:

"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.

Example Question #32 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings

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

FOLD

Possible Answers:

State

Stain

Spot

Crease

Stamp

Correct answer:

Crease

Explanation:

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.

Example Question #33 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings

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

FUEL

Possible Answers:

Earth

Feeling

Sand

Feed

Comb

Correct answer:

Feed

Explanation:

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.

Example Question #34 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings

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

FRAME

Possible Answers:

Set up

Pronounce

Speak

Picture

Announce

Correct answer:

Set up

Explanation:

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."

Example Question #35 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings

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

WIND

Possible Answers:

Flame

Airborne 

Fire

Twist

Gel

Correct answer:

Twist

Explanation:

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.

Example Question #36 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings

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

FACE

Possible Answers:

Glasses

Make-up

Eyeliner

Confront

Pimple

Correct answer:

Confront

Explanation:

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."

Example Question #37 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings

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

WANT

Possible Answers:

Loss

Change

Lack

Failure

Remainder

Correct answer:

Lack

Explanation:

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. 

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