HSPT Verbal : Antonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Antonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

An antonym of "ruffled" is __________.

Possible Answers:

unsoiled

negative

unpolluted

placid

vexed

Correct answer:

placid

Explanation:

When something is "ruffled", it is literally taken out of order or arrangement. We often speak of "ruffling" someone's hair or some other semi-arranged set of items. As an emotional state, "ruffled" means disturbed or not calm. In contrast to this, the term "placid" means calm with little disturbance or change.

Example Question #2 : Antonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

An antonym of "exasperated" is __________.

Possible Answers:

available

prepared

completed

delighted

demolished

Correct answer:

delighted

Explanation:

To exasperate someone is to make that person completely tired and irritated about something. For instance, "The arduous and tedious process of reviewing the details of the exam exasperated the young man, for he knew all of the answers already." An exasperated person is likely quite angry, so "delighted" is an excellent antonym for this word.

Example Question #3 : Antonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

An antonym of "stolid" is __________.

Possible Answers:

tempestuous

liquid

brilliant

fluid

active

Correct answer:

tempestuous

Explanation:

A stolid person is calm and dependable. Often, such people are unemotional as well. Such a personality is greatly contrasted to one that could be called "tempestuous"—which takes its name from the idea of a strong storm (a "tempest"). A tempestuous personality is very emotional, with changes and conflicts in overall emotional character.

Example Question #4 : Antonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

An antonym of "fearful" is __________.

Possible Answers:

benign

valiant

trepidatious

temerarious

tremulous

Correct answer:

valiant

Explanation:

Valor is a courage that will face almost anything. To be "valiant" is to have such courage and to lack fear. Someone who is "temerarious" might lack fear but such a person is more than likely just rash and unthinking. The words "trepidatious" and "tremulous" are generally synonymous of "fearful". The best option, therefore, is "valiant."

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