SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #281 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

IMPETUOUS

Possible Answers:

Pusillanimous

Bestial

Rash

Maudlin

Haughty

Correct answer:

Rash

Explanation:

The adjective "impetuous" means done too quickly without proper care or consideration, rash, impulsive, reckless. Additionally, "maudlin" means overly serious and sentimental; "haughty" means proud, arrogant and brash; "bestial" means savage (like a beast); "pusillanimous" means cowardly, timid.

Example Question #282 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

AMENABLE

Possible Answers:

Drastic

Cooperative

Iconic

Laconic

Labyrinthine

Correct answer:

Cooperative

Explanation:

The adjective "amenable" is used to describe someone who is cooperative and agreeable, open to a suggestion and capable of being persuaded to do something. Additionally, "labyrinthine" means maze-like, puzzling; "laconic" means brief, not long-lasting; "iconic" means widely-recognized and well-regarded; "drastic" means extreme and desperate.

Example Question #283 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

COERCIVE

Possible Answers:

Sardonic

Sedulous

Forceful

Lascivious

Prophetic

Correct answer:

Forceful

Explanation:

"Coercive" means "forceful" or threatening. "Lascivious" is a synonym for "lecherous" or lustful, and "prophetic" is a synonym for "clairvoyant" or farsighted. "Sedulous" means hardworking, assiduous. "Sardonic" is a synonym for "sarcastic."

Example Question #284 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

XENOPHOBIC

Possible Answers:

Fearful of open spaces

Fearful of foreigners

Fear of germs

Fearful of water

Fearful of heights

Correct answer:

Fearful of foreigners

Explanation:

Someone "xenophobic" is afraid of or hateful toward foreigners. "Agoraphobia" is a fear of open spaces or a fear of crowded spaces, and "aquaphobia" is a fear of water. "Acrophobia" is a fear of heights. "Fear of germs and infection" is known as mysophobia or germophobia.

Example Question #285 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

SUCCINCT

Possible Answers:

Indefatigable

Invective

Concise

Gregarious

Abrasive

Correct answer:

Concise

Explanation:

"Succinct" means "concise," laconic, or pithy. "Abrasive" means harsh or grating. "Indefatigable" means untiring, and "invective" is verbal abuse or a tirade. "Gregarious" means outgoing or sociable.

Example Question #286 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

BELLICOSE

Possible Answers:

Solipsistic

Congenial

Warlike

Vituperative

Controlling

Correct answer:

Warlike

Explanation:

"Bellicose" means belligerent or "warlike." "Solipsistic" means egotistical or self-centered. "Congenial" means personable, hospitable, or friendly. "Vituperative" means bitter and opprobrious.

Example Question #287 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

STALWART

Possible Answers:

Succinct

Bucolic

Loyal

Ambulatory

Energetic

Correct answer:

Loyal

Explanation:

"Stalwart" means steadfast and loyal. "Succinct" is another word for pithy, concise, or laconic. "Energetic" can mean invigorated or enthusiastic. "Bucolic" means rural or rustic. "Ambulatory" means able to walk, or, more generally, mobile.

Example Question #288 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

CHARY

Possible Answers:

Obdurate

Deleterious

Wary

Imminent

Gullible

Correct answer:

Wary

Explanation:

"Chary" means cautious, wary, and even suspicious. This is a near antonym for "gullible," which means overly willing to believe or trust. "Deleterious" is another word for harmful. "Imminent" is a synonym for "impending," and "obdurate" is a synonym for "stubborn" or unyielding.

Example Question #289 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

SLAVISH

Possible Answers:

Servile

Arbitrary

Clear

Pertinent

Sagacious

Correct answer:

Servile

Explanation:

"Slavish" can literally mean in the manner of a slave, but it can more broadly mean servile, subservient, or fawning. "Pertinent" is another word for relevant. "Sagacious" means wise, and "arbitrary" means random or based on whim. Another word for "clear" is "lucid."

Example Question #290 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

CAPITOUS

Possible Answers:

Fault-finding

Fairly judging

Crestfallen

Risky

Praiseworthy

Correct answer:

Fault-finding

Explanation:

Someone who is "captious" is constantly nitpicking and finding flaws in people or things. "Praiseworthy" means commendable, and "risky" means reckless. "Crestfallen" is another word for woebegone. To judge something fairly is to be "unbiased," not "captious."

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