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 #5 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

CURRENT

Possible Answers:

Attraction

Theater

Show

Airstream

Spectacle

Correct answer:

Airstream

Explanation:

"Current" and "airstream" can be synonyms, especially if the word "current" represents a stream of wind ("current" can also refer to the present time). The other words are not related in meaning to the word "current."

Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

EXCLUSIVE

Possible Answers:

Elite

Audible

Woodland

Natural

Motherly

Correct answer:

Elite

Explanation:

"Elite" and "exclusive" are synonyms referring to  a select group (usually implying the selection is tied to excellence). The other words do not have related meanings. "Natural" means not artificial. "Audible" means perceptible through aural faculties

Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

CAMP

Possible Answers:

Team

Jail

Institution

Tank

Prison

Correct answer:

Team

Explanation:

"Camp" and "team" are synonyms. The word "camp" can be used to describe a side, a team, a particular group of people with a shared value or conviction. The other words do not have meanings closely related to camp.

Example Question #8 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

TRUNK

Possible Answers:

Swimmer

Alternator

Engineering

Engine

Box

Correct answer:

Box

Explanation:

"Trunk" and "box" can both refer to a receptacle used to store or carry items. The other words are not synonymous with "trunk." An "alternator" is a part of an "engine" (at least for cars).

Example Question #9 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

BANK

Possible Answers:

Hospitalize

Grieve

Invest

Litigate

Mourn

Correct answer:

Invest

Explanation:

The verbs "bank" (when used as a verb) and "invest" can be synonymous, referring to the actions of a financier. The meanings of the other answer choices are not related to the word "bank."

Example Question #10 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

WIND

Possible Answers:

Demonstrate

Boil

Forecast

Weave

Mock

Correct answer:

Weave

Explanation:

"Wind" may be a noun (relating to air movement and weather), but it may also be a verb. As a verb, "wind" means to move in a twisting or spiral course. The verb "weave" means to turn from side to side while moving somewhere, and is an appropriate synonym for wind.

Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

NET

Possible Answers:

Leisure

Incentive

Disapproval

Final

Unity

Correct answer:

Final

Explanation:

"Net" is a noun with different meanings. A "net" can be a device used for fishing, or an overall end result. Based on all the choices final is a synonym for the second definition, and therefore the correct answer.

Example Question #3021 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

REPROACH

Possible Answers:

Whirl

Identify

Congratulate

Fault

Bend

Correct answer:

Fault

Explanation:

“Reproach” is a word that can be used as a noun or a verb, but because all of the answer choices can be used as verbs, we will need to consider “reproach” as a verb. When used as a verb, “reproach” means “to express disapproval or disappointment,” so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “express disapproval or disappointment.” That means that “congratulate” cannot be the correct answer, because “congratulate” means “to praise for a particular achievement,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “reproach.” “Fault,” however, when used as a verb, means “criticize for inadequacy or mistakes,” and because “fault” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “reproach,” “fault” is the correct answer.

Example Question #12 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings

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

VAULT

Possible Answers:

Forget

Hurdle

Motion

Run

Tumble

Correct answer:

Hurdle

Explanation:

“Vault” is a word that can be used as a noun or a verb, but because all of the answer choices can be used as verbs, we will need to consider “vault” as a verb. When used as a verb, “vault” means “leap or spring,” or, when used with an object, “jump over an obstacle.” So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “leap over something.” That means that “tumble” cannot be the correct answer, because “tumble,” when used as a verb, typically refers to a person and means “fall suddenly, clumsily, or headlong,” a meaning very distant from that of “vault.” “Hurdle,” however, when used as a verb, means “jump over (a hurdle or other obstacle) while running,” when used with an object, and because “hurdle” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “vault,” “hurdle” is the correct answer.

Example Question #13 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings

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

BREACH

Possible Answers:

Excuse

Skirt

Mix

Infringe

Obey

Correct answer:

Infringe

Explanation:

“Breach” is a word that can be used as a noun or a verb, but because all of the potential answer choices are verbs, we will need to consider “breach” as a verb. When used as a verb, “breach” can mean “make a gap in something and break through” or “break or fail to observe something contracted or necessary.” So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “break through” or “fail to observe.” That means that “obey” cannot be the correct answer, because “obey” can mean “ behave in accordance with authority,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “breach.” “Infringe,” however, is a verb that can mean “actively break the terms of a contract or law,” and because “infringe” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “breach,” “infringe” is the correct answer.

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