HSPT Verbal : Synonyms, Antonyms, and Changes in Intensity
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Verbal
All HSPT Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #25 : Changes In Intensity
Choose the best answer that completes the comparison.
Numb is to frostbite as singed is to __________.
elevated
oven
burn
truth
skin
burn
"Frostbite" often causes the affected area to be "numb," in the way that a "burn" can cause an area to be "singed."
Example Question #25 : Changes In Intensity
Answer the question by choosing the word that best completes the comparison.
Absolve is to forgive as blame is to __________.
condemn
plead
join
praise
flee
condemn
"Absolve" and "forgive" are both synonyms, just as "blame" and "condemn" mean the same thing.
Example Question #25 : Changes In Intensity
Select the word that best completes the comparison.
Evolve is to develop as stagnate is to __________.
flourish
strengthen
known
stall
hustle
stall
"Evolve" and "develop" are similar in meaning; therefore a synonym of "stagnate" is "stall."
Example Question #31 : Changes In Intensity
Answer the question by selecting the word that best completes the analogy.
Scandal is to rumor as commendation is to __________.
helpful
tale
wrongdoing
praise
reproach
praise
"Scandal" and "rumor" are synonyms, just as "commendation" and "praise" have similar meanings.
Example Question #32 : Changes In Intensity
Soiled is to filthy as wet is to __________.
damp
drenched
moist
typhoon
drizzle
drenched
To be filthy is to be soiled to a great degree. Therefore, the notion that bridges these two terms is the idea of increase. One could say, “Just as something filthy is very soiled, so to something that is X is very wet.” Among the options provided, “drenched” best matches this usage, for it means completely soaked. Do not be tricked by “typhoon.” A typhoon is not an adjective describing wetness as is "drenched."
Example Question #33 : Changes In Intensity
Infringement is to violation as expedition is to __________.
backpacking
swashbuckling
excursion
daredevil
ambling
excursion
The word “infringement” means literally an act of breaking upon something. It is derived from the Latin for to break, as is found in the English “fracture.” The more generally used meaning for the word is the act of breaking a law or agreement. Such an action is one of violation. The words are relatively synonymous. An "expedition" is a journey with some particular goal. The word “excursion” is a relatively synonymous option, as it means a trip, often connoting that it is for enjoyment. While this is not directly synonymous, it is the best option among those provided.
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