All HSPT Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Verbs About Communicating, Arguing, And Understanding
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FATHOM
Irritate
Pelt
Bewilder
Satisfy
Understand
Understand
"Fathom" means comprehend or understand, so "understand" is the correct answer. "Bewilder" is an antonym of "fathom"; it means confuse. "Satisfy" means meet a certain condition or meet the expectations of someone. "Pelt" means bombard or attack someone or something with projectiles. "Irritate" means bother or annoy.
Example Question #12 : Synonyms: Verbs About Communicating, Arguing, And Understanding
"Baffle" most nearly means _____________.
bewilder
complete
determined
crystal
mythical
bewilder
As a verb, "baffle" means to confuse someone, or to be confused. An example is, "Walking through the maze, Diana was baffled about how to get out." If you're confused, you are "bewildered." Although "complete" is also a verb, it means to finish. None of the other words are verbs. "Determined" and "mythical" are adjectives. "Determined" means to have made a firm decision and "mythical" means having something to do with ancient myths or legends. "Crystal" is a noun and means a specific type of glass.
Example Question #13 : Synonyms: Verbs About Communicating, Arguing, And Understanding
"Beguile" most nearly means __________.
manipulate
invest
intrude
disturb
destroy
manipulate
"Beguile" means to charm, sometimes in a deceptive way. For instance, "The little boy beguiled his grandmother into giving him a cookie when he told her she was a wonderful cook." When you "manipulate" someone, you convince him or her to do something by tricking him or her or using his or her emotions against him or her. For example, "Mandy manipulated Mark into taking her to the dance by telling him she already had a dress but no one to go with."
Example Question #14 : Synonyms: Verbs About Communicating, Arguing, And Understanding
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HEED
Hoard
Abhor
Hinder
Enliven
Obey
Obey
"Heed" can be used as both a noun and a verb. For example, as a noun: "He paid no heed to the warnings." As a verb, "He should heed the teacher's warning." The word closest in meaning to "heed" on this list is "obey."
"Hinder" means to create problems that result in delay.
"Hoard" means to stockpile. You might hoard all the chocolate in your house so that no one else can eat it.
"Abhor" means a deep revulsion. You might abhor the sight of blood.
"Enliven" means to make more lively.
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