HSPT Verbal : HSPT Verbal Skills

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #22 : Synonyms: Nouns

"Aberration" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

freezing

consideration

deviance

fleeting

imitation

Correct answer:

deviance

Explanation:

An "aberration" is something that occurs outside the normal range. You might say, "Since he normally hit home runs, Dan's strikeout was an aberration." "Deviation" has a similar meaning of something that happens outside of the normal course of events. "Fleeting" is an adjective meaning happening for a short brief time, and as such cannot be synonymous. "Freezing" is an adjective used to describe a temperature below zero degrees celsius or the feeling of being very cold. An "imitation" is a copy.

Example Question #881 : Hspt Verbal Skills

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

NUANCE

Possible Answers:

Differentiate

Enhance

Ensconce

Subtlety

Obfuscate

Correct answer:

Subtlety

Explanation:

"Nuance" is a noun which means fine shade of meaning. Your acting teacher might tell you to pay attention to the nuances of an actor's performance. This means that you are paying attention to the subtle differences in vocal tone, emotion or facial expressions that the actor uses to enhance understanding of his performance. "Subtlety" is a noun which means being delicate or precise. This is a similar meaning to "nuance."

"Differentiate" is a verb meaning to recognize differences between things. You may use your skills of differentiation to determine the fine nuances in the actor's performance, but it is the act of making the determination, not the fine shades of meaning themselves.

"Enhance" is a verb which means to make better.

"Ensconce" is a verb which means to settle in a secret place.

"Obfuscate" is a verb which means to make unclear; to confuse or bewilder.

Example Question #882 : Hspt Verbal Skills

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

ENIGMA

Possible Answers:

Reliable

Noxious

Mysterious

Disoriented

Puzzle

Correct answer:

Puzzle

Explanation:

An "enigma" is a noun meaning mystery or puzzle. "Puzzle" is also a noun, while "mysterious" is an adjective meaning difficult to understand. "Puzzle" is a better choice than "mysterious" because "puzzle" and "enigma" are both nouns.

"Noxious" is an adjective meaning poisonous; harmful.

"Disoriented" is also an adjective. It means not oriented; confused. You might become disoriented in the forest and walk in the opposite direction of your campsite.

"Reliable" is an adjective meaning trustworthy.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Verbs About Communicating, Arguing, And Understanding

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

LAUD

Possible Answers:

challenge

provoke

conform

correct

praise

Correct answer:

praise

Explanation:

"Laud" means to praise highly.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Verbs About Communicating, Arguing, And Understanding

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

PROPOUND

Possible Answers:

choose

proceed

offer

conciliate

condemn

Correct answer:

offer

Explanation:

"Propound" means to put forward or offer for consideration.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Verbs

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

CHORTLE

Possible Answers:

Pen

Laugh

Deflate

Understand

Preserve

Correct answer:

Laugh

Explanation:

"Chortle" means to chuckle gleefully, so "laugh" is the correct answer because it is the closest synonym amongst the given answer choices.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Verbs

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

DENOTE

Possible Answers:

Criticize

Prescribe

Expound

Uncover

Indicate

Correct answer:

Indicate

Explanation:

"Denote" means to be a sign of, or to indicate.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Verbs

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

CAJOLE

Possible Answers:

Celebrate

Conciliate

Rejuvinate

Persuade

Injure

Correct answer:

Persuade

Explanation:

"Cajole" means to persuade using coaxing and flattery.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Verbs About Communicating, Arguing, And Understanding

Synonyms: choose the answer closest in meaning to the word in question.

ACCENTUATE

Possible Answers:

Highlight

Amass

Undermine

Frustrate

Confront

Correct answer:

Highlight

Explanation:

"Accentuate" means to highlight or emphasize. "Undermine" means to weaken. "Confront" means to come face-to-face with, or to challenge. "Amass" means to accumulate or gather. "Frustrate" to foil or block a plan or some action.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Verbs

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

OSTRACIZE

Possible Answers:

Include

Burn

Birdlike

Exclude

Craft

Correct answer:

Exclude

Explanation:

"Ostracize" means exclude or banish someone from something, so "exclude" is the correct answer. Considering the other answer choices, "include" cannot be the correct answer becuase "include" means accept or welcome into a group, making it an antonym of "ostracize" and "exclude." "Birdlike" means avian, "burn" means set on fire or injure with fire, and "craft," when used as a verb, means make or construct.

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