SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Nouns for Abstract Concepts

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #381 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

INTERLUDE

Possible Answers:

Intermission

Atonement

Intervening

Catastrophe

Melody

Correct answer:

Intermission

Explanation:

An "interlude" is an "intermission" or pause between two acts. This is different from an "intervention," or the act of intervening to solve a problem. A "catastrophe" is a disaster. A "melody" is a song or sequence of musical notes. "Atonement" is a synonym for "expiation" or penance.

Example Question #382 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

APOSTASY

Possible Answers:

Exuberance

Propinquity

Renunciation

Onus

Proximity

Correct answer:

Renunciation

Explanation:

"Apostasy" is either the formal renunciation of a belief or the proclamation of heretical belief, both of which usually occur in the context of religion. "Propinquity" and "proximity" are synonyms for nearness. "Onus" means burden or obligation, and "exuberance" means excitement, enthusiasm, and cheerfulness.

Example Question #383 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PREPONDERANCE

Possible Answers:

Elegy

Penchant

Lassitude

Majority

Threnody

Correct answer:

Majority

Explanation:

"Preponderance" means "majority," prevalence, or predominance. "Lassitude" is lethargy, and an "elegy" is a lament or threnody. "Penchant" is a synonym for "proclivity."

Example Question #384 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

 ABERRATION

Possible Answers:

Abhorrence

Allowance

Abnormality

Assimilation

Disapproval

Correct answer:

Abnormality

Explanation:

An "aberration" is a noun meaning a departure from what is normal or expected. "Abnormality" is a synonym meaning an unusual feature, characteristic, or occurrence. "Disapproval" is a possession or expression of an unfavorable opinion, "assimilation" means the absorbing of information and experiences, "allowance" means the amount of something that is permitted, and "abhorrence" means a feeling of repulsion.

Example Question #385 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

VITUPERATION

Possible Answers:

Abuse

Censorship

Envy

Hatred

Affiliation

Correct answer:

Abuse

Explanation:

"Vituperation" is a synonym for "invective," which means harsh verbal abuse. While "vituperation" is hateful, it is not a direct synonym for "hatred." "Censorship" is another word for expurgation, and "affiliation" is another word for association with or endorsement by. "Envy" means jealousy.

Example Question #386 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PROVENANCE

Possible Answers:

Affection

Futility

Food

Origin

Probity

Correct answer:

Origin

Explanation:

The "provenance" of an object (particularly artwork) is the same thing as its "origin." Don't confuse "provenance" with "provisions," which means food and supplies. "Probity" means moral uprightness, integrity. "Futility" means pointlessness, and "affection" means love, fondness, or friendly feelings.

Example Question #387 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

MYRIAD

Possible Answers:

Roguishness

Multitude

Hollowness

Chicanery

Surfeit

Correct answer:

Multitude

Explanation:

A "myriad" of something is a "multitude" or plethora of that thing. This is an antonym for "surfeit," or scarcity. "Hollowness" describes the state of being empty inside (either figuratively or literally), and "chicanery" is another word for trickery. "Roguishness" is the quality of being a rascal or a scamp.

Example Question #388 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

SERENDIPITY

Possible Answers:

Luck

Wariness

Zeal

Curse

Proclivity

Correct answer:

Luck

Explanation:

"Serendipity" is luckiness or good fortune. This is the opposite of a "curse," or bad fortune. "Zeal" is ardor, fervor, extreme enthusiasm. "Wariness" is cautiousness, hesitancy. "Proclivity' is a synonym for "penchant."

Example Question #389 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PLETHORA

Possible Answers:

Clemency

Paucity

Abundance

Circumlocution

Circumspection

Correct answer:

Abundance

Explanation:

A "plethora" is an abundance or even an excess of something. This is an antonym for "paucity," or scarcity. "Circumlocution" is roundabout speech, while "circumspection" is caution and wariness. "Clemency" is mercy or forgiveness.

Example Question #390 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

NESCIENCE

Possible Answers:

Newness

Mirth

Ignorance

Creed

Profligacy 

Correct answer:

Ignorance

Explanation:

"Nescience" is a synonym for "ignorance" or unawareness. It does not mean "newness," or "novelty;" nor does it mean "mirth," or "merriment." A "creed" is a system of religious beliefs or a profession of those beliefs. "Profligacy" is another word for wastefulness, particularly of money.

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