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 And Adverbs

"Inelastic" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

metallic

rubbery

resilient

wooden

rigid

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:

laconic

inorganic

illusory

amazing

lucid

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:

languid

fecund

luminous

beautiful

engrossing

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 And Adverbs

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

MACABRE

Possible Answers:

Methodical

Panicked

Gruesome

Protective

Understated

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 #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

OPULENT

Possible Answers:

Complex

Benevolent

Sumptuous

Putrid

Opaque

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 And Adverbs

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

IMPERVIOUS

Possible Answers:

Flawless

Insignificant

Independent

Stained

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 #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

SINEWY

Possible Answers:

Ecstatic

Stringy

Vulgar

Upright

Brief

Correct answer:

Stringy

Explanation:

"Sinewy" means tough, stringy, or strong.

Example Question #5 : 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:

Lurid

Severe

Frightening

Delightful

Proper

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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