HSPT Verbal : Antonyms: Nouns
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #81 : Antonyms
An antonym of "barbarity" is __________.
morality
technology
civility
romanticism
misconduct
civility
We generally think of barbarians when we hear the word "barbarity." This word originally came from the ancient Greek prejudice against other people. They seemed uncivilized to the ancient Greeks, who though that the "barbarians'" language sounded like "bar bar bar." The word now has come to mean someone or something that is lacking cultural development and often also indicates cruelty. Among the options provided, "civility" is the best option. Civility refers to the manners and courtesy of someone who, generally speaking, lives in society. It comes from roots that are related to city life—as in "civilian" and "civil service."
Example Question #562 : Hspt Verbal Skills
An antonym of "loyalty" is __________.
fidelity
treachery
reconnaissance
scalawag
rebel
treachery
The word "loyalty" is quite easy and well known. Do not, of course, answer "fidelity," for this is a synonym—which we are not looking for at all! The word "rebel" and "scalawag" both describe people who are not very loyal. However, we are looking for a word that is an abstract concept that is opposed to loyalty. To be treacherous is to be someone who betrays the trust that someone else puts in him or her. This is the opposite of being loyal; hence, this is an excellent option for an antonym.
Example Question #563 : Hspt Verbal Skills
An antonym of "immortality" is __________.
decadence
divinity
uprightness
transience
morality
transience
First of all, note well that the word is "immortality," not "immorality"! This mistake could lead you to pick one of the wrong answers, especially the seemingly simple "morality" but also "uprightness." An "immortal" thing is one that is undying. Often, we will use this to speak of divinities—immortal gods. It can also refer to ideas that are unchanging or undying. Thus, in contrast to this, transient things are ones that are passing. Transience describes the state of being passing in such a manner.
Example Question #564 : Hspt Verbal Skills
"Abasement" is the opposite of __________.
honor
humiliation
fort
creation
dungeon
honor
"Abasement" means humiliation or degradation. You might abase a fellow student by bullying them. The opposite meaning would be to "honor" someone. "Humiliation" is a synonym of abasement, not an antonym. Although "abasement" sounds like the word "basement," they do not have similar meanings, so "dungeon" and "fort" should be eliminated. "Creation" is also not an antonym of "abasement."
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