HSPT Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, and Sensory Imagery

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

"Inelastic" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

rigid

wooden

resilient

rubbery

metallic

Correct answer:

rigid

Explanation:

In its physical sense, the word "elastic" means bendable or flexible. Hence, we use it to describe things like "elastic bands" that are used for gathering together items. When something is "inelastic" it is not flexible in that way. The "in-" prefix is a privative prefix, meaning that it means not. (This is much like the prefix "un-.") Therefore, something that is "inelastic" could be said to be rigid.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

"Chimerical" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

illusory

lucid

amazing

laconic

inorganic

Correct answer:

illusory

Explanation:

A "chimera" is a kind of mythological creature, but generally the word has come to signify something that cannot possibly occur or exist in reality. Therefore, when something is described as being "chimerical," it is an illusion—something "illusory."

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

"Scintillating" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

languid

fecund

engrossing

luminous

beautiful

Correct answer:

luminous

Explanation:

The word "scintillating" comes from the Latin word for "spark" (as in a spark of fire or light). Something that is scintillating has the kind of spark or glow of such a fire. Therefore, it means bright. Something that is "luminous" is very bright or enlightened.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

MACABRE

Possible Answers:

Protective

Gruesome

Panicked

Understated

Methodical

Correct answer:

Gruesome

Explanation:

“Macabre” means gruesome, horrifying, or pertaining to death, so "gruesome" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to “macabre”. “Understated” means modest or simple. “Protective” means defensive or shielding. “Panicked” means frightened. “Methodical” means systematic. 

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

OPULENT

Possible Answers:

Benevolent

Opaque

Complex

Sumptuous

Putrid

Correct answer:

Sumptuous

Explanation:

"Opulent" is an adjective that means lavish, and since "sumptuous" means expensive-looking, it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "opulent," so it is the correct answer.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

IMPERVIOUS

Possible Answers:

Unaffected

Insignificant

Stained

Independent

Flawless

Correct answer:

Unaffected

Explanation:

"Impervious" means not letting things pass through, or unaffected by something. One might write, "While everyone else got sick, Michael seemed impervious to germs."

Example Question #55 : Synonyms

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

SINEWY

Possible Answers:

Brief

Upright

Vulgar

Stringy

Ecstatic

Correct answer:

Stringy

Explanation:

"Sinewy" means tough, stringy, or strong.

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

GARISH

Possible Answers:

Severe

Proper

Lurid

Frightening

Delightful

Correct answer:

Lurid

Explanation:

"Garish" means too bright and showy, and the correct answer "lurid" means having a color so bright that it is unpleasant. The other choices do not have similar definitions: "delightful" means fun and joyful, "proper" means appropriate, "severe" means harsh, and "frightening" means scary.

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