SSAT Upper Level Verbal : SSAT Upper Level Verbal

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #744 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

EPOCH

Possible Answers:

Era

Heroic poem

Propinquity

Equanimity

Reticence

Correct answer:

Era

Explanation:

An "epoch" is an "era," a long and discrete period of time. Although "epoch" and "epic" are pronounced similarly, the latter describes a long, eventful poem or similar work of literature. "Propinquity" means proximity, and "equanimity" means coolness, composure. "Reticence" is shyness.

Example Question #745 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

ANTIPATHY

Possible Answers:

Lassitude

Turpitude

Hatred

Hospitality

Plethora

Correct answer:

Hatred

Explanation:

"Antipathy" is a synonym for "hatred," loathing, and hostility. "Hospitality" is friendliness or neighborliness and is therefore an antonym for "antipathy." "Lassitude" means lethargy, and "turpitude" means moral corruption. A "plethora" of something is an abundance or surfeit.

Example Question #746 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

PROTOCOL

Possible Answers:

Etiquette

Vessel

Heist

Complacency

Governance

Correct answer:

Etiquette

Explanation:

"Protocol" is a noun meaning a procedure or set of rules. Similarly, "etiquette" is a noun meaning the customary code of behavior among a group of people, and therefore an appropriate synonym for "protocol."

Example Question #747 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

AUSTERITY

Possible Answers:

Severity

Nescience

Ignorance

Provenance

Nascence

Correct answer:

Severity

Explanation:

"Austerity" means harshness, stringency, and "severity." The "provenance" of an object (e.g. a work of art) is its officially documented origins, and "nascence" is the state of coming into being or having just begun. "Nescience" and "ignorance" are synonyms.

Example Question #748 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

QUIBBLE

Possible Answers:

Hoax

Elaborate plan

Criticism

Plumed pen

Melancholy

Correct answer:

Criticism

Explanation:

A "quibble" is a minor fight, objection, or "criticism." A "quill" is a plumed pen. An "elaborate plan" could be a scheme, and a "hoax" is a prank or a trick. "Melancholy" is the state of sadness or wistfulness.

Example Question #749 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

HEX

Possible Answers:

Curse

Disparity

Brevity

Iniquity

Hullabaloo

Correct answer:

Curse

Explanation:

"Hexes" are curses (of the evil spell variety, not the swear word kind). Don't confuse this with "iniquity," which denotes the more general concept of evil. A "hullabaloo" is a ruckus, and a "disparity" is a discrepancy. "Brevity" is a synonym for "briefness."

Example Question #750 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

SEMBLANCE

Possible Answers:

Paucity

Currency

Appearance

Antipathy

Euphoria

Correct answer:

Appearance

Explanation:

To have the "semblance" of something is to have the surface appearance (but usually not the true essence) of that thing. "Currency" can mean prevalence or legal tender, depending on the context. "Antipathy" is a synonym for "strong hatred," while "paucity" is a synonym for "scarcity." "Euphoria" is the state of ecstasy.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

SLENDER

Possible Answers:

rude

exotic

artistic

floral

slim

Correct answer:

slim

Explanation:

"Slender" means gracefully thin, or slim.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

APPARITIONAL.

Possible Answers:

Movable 

Breezy 

Pugnacious 

Ghostly 

Life-like 

Correct answer:

Ghostly 

Explanation:

If something is “apparitional” it has the appearance of something ghostly. So the correct answer is “ghostly.” For clarification, "pugnacious" means aggressive or combative; "breezy" means light and easy.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

ALGID. 

Possible Answers:

Hot and bothered

Amiable and outgoing

Reserved and timid

Feverish and cold

Happy and serene

Correct answer:

Feverish and cold

Explanation:

The term, “algid,” is used to describe an episode experienced during a fever where the individual feels cold and clammy. The best answer is “feverish and cold.” For clarification, "amiable" means friendly; "timid" means shy; "serene" means peaceful.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors