HSPT Verbal : Synonyms: Verbs About Emotional Changes

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #304 : Synonyms: Verbs

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

BROOD

Possible Answers:

annex

hide

preclude

fret

challenge

Correct answer:

fret

Explanation:

"Brood" means to worry or to fret.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Verbs About Emotional Changes

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

AGONIZE

Possible Answers:

Gargle

Perpetrate

Worry

Depict

Laud

Correct answer:

Worry

Explanation:

"Agonize" means to worry greatly about something and is ofted used in the phrase "to agonize over" something. So, "worry" is the correct answer. "Perpetrate" means to commit or carry out a crime. "Laud" means to applaud or to praise. "Depict" means to show or demonstrate. "Gargle" means to clean or wash one's throat or mouth with a liquid substance.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Verbs About Emotional Changes

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

ASSUAGE

Possible Answers:

Amass

Relieve

Atone

Enervate

Narrate

Correct answer:

Relieve

Explanation:

"Assuage" means to "relieve" or to ease. "Amass" means to gather or to collect. "Atone" means to apologize or make amends for. "Enervate" means to weaken or to cause to lose energy. "Narrate" means to tell a story.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Verbs About Emotional Changes

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

ASSUAGE

Possible Answers:

Allay 

Measure 

Indicate 

Decide 

Reward

Correct answer:

Allay 

Explanation:

To “assuage” means to provide relief from something uncomfortable or distressing. You often hear it used to describe “assuaging guilt,” which means to make someone feel less guilty. The only answer choice that matches this definition is “allay.” Allay means to relieve or calm the severity of something. Both words describe the relieving of an unpleasant sensation.

Example Question #24 : Synonyms: Verbs

"Abhor" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

covet

despise

desire

instigate

enhance

Correct answer:

despise

Explanation:

To "abhor" something is to loathe, despise or hate it. You might "abhor" violence and refuse to watch TV shows that promote violence. "Covet" and "desire" both mean to want something, so these are antonyms of abhor. "Instigate" means to start something and "enhance" means to make better.

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