HSPT Verbal : Antonyms: Nouns for People

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Antonyms: Nouns

An antonym of "civilian" is __________.

Possible Answers:

professor

president

expert

senator

soldier

Correct answer:

soldier

Explanation:

A civilian is a person who exists in a city in a non-military capacity. When used as an adjective, the word "civilian" is well contrasted to "military." The best answer is therefore the simple word "soldier." The civilian is not contrasted directly to the ruling class—hence both "senator" and "president" are not good answers.

Example Question #2 : Antonyms: Nouns

An antonym of "thrall" is __________.

Possible Answers:

trap

socialite

civilian

viceroy

lord

Correct answer:

lord

Explanation:

A "thrall" is a servant or slave to someone else. We often will also use this word in an expression like, "Peter was in thrall to his uncontrolled desire for chocolate." This means that Peter was a slave to his stomach—to his desire and love for chocolate. In contrast to this, the word "lord"—simple though it may be—is the best option. The only close option is "viceroy," which describes someone who rules in the stead of the main sovereign. We need a word that directly signifies being a lord or ruler, however, and to this end, the simple "lord" works best.

Example Question #1 : Antonyms: Nouns

An antonym of "intimates" is __________.

Possible Answers:

associates

leaders

adversaries

educators

compatriots

Correct answer:

adversaries

Explanation:

To be intimate with someone is to be close with that person. Generally speaking, when people are called "intimates," they are considered to be friends. The first contrast that comes to mind, therefore, is likely "enemies." While we do not have this as an option among the words provided for answers, we do have "adversaries," which basically means "opponents." The word comes from roots meaning turned against one another.

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