SSAT Upper Level Verbal : SSAT Upper Level Verbal

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #2171 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

QUIESCENT

Possible Answers:

Strange

Unusual 

Bland

Quintessential

Inactive

Correct answer:

Inactive

Explanation:

"Quiescent" means still and quiet. Something that is "inactive" tends to not make sound or movement. Given how similar the meanings of these words are, they are synonyms. A tempting wrong answer is "quintessential" because it sounds like "quiescent," but has a very different meaning. ("Quintessential" means ideal.)

Example Question #2172 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

IMPERIAL

Possible Answers:

Royal

Antiquated

Aggravated

Careless

Motionless

Correct answer:

Royal

Explanation:

Imperial means "of or relating to an emperor." It also means "characteristic of or exercising supreme authority." Royal means "of or pertaining to a king, queen, or some other ruler."

Example Question #2173 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

INTRICATE

Possible Answers:

Complex

Creative

Assiduous

Intrinsic

Porous

Correct answer:

Complex

Explanation:

Intricate means complex.  

Example Question #2174 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

COMPLEX

Possible Answers:

Extinct

Complicated

Previous

Caring

Intertwined

Correct answer:

Complicated

Explanation:

Complex means involving many parts, or complicated.

Example Question #2175 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

ACCOUNTABLE

Possible Answers:

Computational

Critical

Distinct

Forgetful

Responsible

Correct answer:

Responsible

Explanation:

Accountable means expected to justify actions, or responsible.

Example Question #2176 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

IMPOSING

Possible Answers:

Well-mannered

Attractive

Disappointing

Clear

Striking

Correct answer:

Striking

Explanation:

Imposing means grand, impressive, or striking.

Example Question #2177 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

DOMINANT

Possible Answers:

Descendent

Focused 

Small 

Minor 

Leading 

Correct answer:

Leading 

Explanation:

The word “dominant” describes someone who is in control or in command over others. The answer choice that most resembles this definition is “leading.”  

Example Question #2178 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

DAUNTING

Possible Answers:

Calibrating

Bothersome

Wavering

Pensive

Intimidating

Correct answer:

Intimidating

Explanation:

Daunting means seemingly difficult or intimidating.

Example Question #2179 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

POTENT

Possible Answers:

Peaceful

Blotchy

Doubtful

Obsessive 

Powerful

Correct answer:

Powerful

Explanation:

Potent means powerful.  

Example Question #2180 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

ELEMENTARY

Possible Answers:

Fundamental

Advanced

Bungling

Desiccated

Fraudulent

Correct answer:

Fundamental

Explanation:

“Elementary” is an adjective that can mean “of or relating to the most rudimentary aspects of a subject,” “easily dealt with; straightforward and uncomplicated,” or “not decomposable into elements or other primary constituents.” We need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “simple.” That means that “advanced” cannot be the correct answer, because “advanced” means “far on or ahead in development,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “elementary.” “Fundamental,” however, is an adjective that can mean “forming a necessary base or core; of central importance” or “so basic as to be hard to alter, resolve, or overcome,” and because “fundamental” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “elementary,” “fundamental” is the correct answer.

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