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 #808 : Hspt Verbal Skills

"Inelastic" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

resilient

rigid

rubbery

metallic

wooden

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 #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

"Chimerical" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

amazing

lucid

illusory

inorganic

laconic

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 Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

"Scintillating" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

engrossing

luminous

languid

beautiful

fecund

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 #4 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

MACABRE

Possible Answers:

Understated

Gruesome

Panicked

Protective

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:

Putrid

Sumptuous

Opaque

Complex

Benevolent

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 #1 : 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:

Insignificant

Stained

Flawless

Independent

Unaffected

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

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

SINEWY

Possible Answers:

Upright

Vulgar

Brief

Stringy

Ecstatic

Correct answer:

Stringy

Explanation:

"Sinewy" means tough, stringy, or strong.

Example Question #805 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GARISH

Possible Answers:

Frightening

Proper

Delightful

Lurid

Severe

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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