SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives and Adverbs

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #693 : Synonyms

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

GINGERLY

Possible Answers:

Fastening 

Hastily

Gingery

Cautiously

Reddening

Correct answer:

Cautiously

Explanation:

If you do something “gingerly,” you do it cautiously or carefully. Do not confuse it with, "gingery," which means related to the spice ginger. To clarify the other terms, “reddening” means turning red, such as when blushing; a “fastening” is something you use to affix things together; “hastily” means hurriedly or quickly.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

URGENTLY

Possible Answers:

Dangerously

Tenderly

Pressingly

Vocationally

Frighteningly

Correct answer:

Pressingly

Explanation:

If something is "urgent," it demands immediate or pressing attention. "Frightening" means scary, "dangerous" means risky, and "tender" means gentle. "Vocational" means relating to a job or occupation.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

ELEGANTLY

Possible Answers:

Squeamishly

Sophisticatedly

Richly

Tastelessly

Blindly

Correct answer:

Sophisticatedly

Explanation:

"Elegant" can mean graceful, stylish, or sophisticated. "Squeamish" means easily made sick or queasy. A synonym for "rich" is affluent. "Tasteless" means lacking in either flavor or good judgment.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

SELFISHLY

Possible Answers:

Selflessly

Abashedly

Egocentrically

Grandly

Cumulatively

Correct answer:

Egocentrically

Explanation:

To be "selfish" is to lack concern for others, to be egocentric. "Abashed" means embarrassed or ashamed. "Selfless" is the opposite of selfish. "Cumulative" means growing by accumulation. "Grand" means large and impressive.

Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

EXCITEDLY

Possible Answers:

Meekly

Patiently

Severally

Profusely

Enthusiastically

Correct answer:

Enthusiastically

Explanation:

"Excitedly" means enthusiastically or eagerly. "Profusely" means excessively or extravagantly. "Meekly" means mildly or timidly. "Severally" means individually or separately. "Patient" means enduring difficulty or challenges with calmness.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

BLEAKLY

Possible Answers:

Classically

Loudly

Comfortingly

Alarmingly

Desolately

Correct answer:

Desolately

Explanation:

Something "bleak" is bare, desolate, or stark. Something "comforting" is reassuring and alleviates distress. Something "loud" is noisy, something "classical" is traditional and well established, and something "alarming" is worrisome or disturbing.

Example Question #8 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

GRIMLY

Possible Answers:

Darkly

Qualitatively

Underhandedly

Deviously

Excessively

Correct answer:

Darkly

Explanation:

"Grim" has a number of meanings: forbidding, dark, humorless, dreadful, and dire. "Excessive" means too much. "Qualitative," the opposite of quantitative refers to properties that aren't able to be measured numerically. "Underhanded" means dishonest or secretive, and "devious" means skillfully underhanded.

Example Question #9 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

PROFUSELY

Possible Answers:

Problematically

Plentifully

Eagerly

Sneakily

Joyfully

Correct answer:

Plentifully

Explanation:

"Profusely" means abundantly, plentifully, or even lavishly. A synonym for "joyful" is jubilant, and a synonym for "eager" is enthusiastic. "Sneakily" means in a sly or deceitful manner. "Problematic" means containing or presenting problems.

Example Question #10 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

EMOTIONALLY

Possible Answers:

Unfeelingly

Rapidly

Sickly

Passionately

Irrationally

Correct answer:

Passionately

Explanation:

"Emotional" can mean relating to emotions, but it can also mean ardent, passionate, moving, or touching. It does not necessarily mean irrational. "Rapidly" means quickly, and "irrational" means not governed by reason or rationality. "Sickly" and "unhealthy" are synonyms of each other, as are "unfeeling" and "unsympathetic."

Example Question #701 : Synonyms

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

RAVENOUSLY

Possible Answers:

Choosily

Richly

Scornfully

Worshipfully

Hungrily

Correct answer:

Hungrily

Explanation:

"Ravenous" means hungry, starving, or famished. "Choosy" and "picky" are synonyms. "Scornfully" means full of contempt or scorn, and "worshipfully" means in a reverent manner. "Richly" can mean opulently or affluently.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors