HSPT Verbal : Synonyms: Nouns

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Verbal

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #431 : Synonyms

Synonyms: choose the answer that is closest in meaning to the word in question.

Plethora

Possible Answers:

Abundance

Permanence

Dearth

Ruse

Conflict

Correct answer:

Abundance

Explanation:

"Plethora" means an abundance of or a lot of; Dearth is a lack of; Ruse is a trick; Conflict means disagreement or problem; and Permanence means lasting forever.

Example Question #21 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

COMMOTION

Possible Answers:

Disturbance

Malice

Creativity

Examination

Verification

Correct answer:

Disturbance

Explanation:

"Commotion" means disturbance. "Examination" means an inspection or test. "Verification" is the process of determining the truth or validity of something. "Malice" means malevolence. "Creativity" means imaginativeness or inventiveness.

Example Question #874 : Hspt Verbal Skills

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

EQUANIMITY

Possible Answers:

Entrance

Escape

Calmness

Whimper

Disinfectant

Correct answer:

Calmness

Explanation:

"Equanimity" means calmness or emotional composure. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "equanimity": "whimper" means whine; "entrance" means the way by which one enters a place; "disinfectant" means a substance that kills germs; and "escape" means getaway.

Example Question #22 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

SAGACITY

Possible Answers:

Oblivion

Premonition

Perpetuity

Wisdom

Foolishness

Correct answer:

Wisdom

Explanation:

"Sagacity" means wisdom. "Foolishness" is an antonym of "sagacity"; it means stupidity or silliness. None of the other words have the same meaning as "sagacity." "Premonition" means a feeling about what will happen in the future, usually something bad. "Persistence" means the refusal to quit at a difficult task or the existence of something over time. "Oblivion" means unconsciousness.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

"Aberration" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

consideration

freezing

imitation

deviance

fleeting

Correct answer:

deviance

Explanation:

An "aberration" is something that occurs outside the normal range. You might say, "Since he normally hit home runs, Dan's strikeout was an aberration." "Deviation" has a similar meaning of something that happens outside of the normal course of events. "Fleeting" is an adjective meaning happening for a short brief time, and as such cannot be synonymous. "Freezing" is an adjective used to describe a temperature below zero degrees celsius or the feeling of being very cold. An "imitation" is a copy.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

NUANCE

Possible Answers:

Ensconce

Obfuscate

Differentiate

Subtlety

Enhance

Correct answer:

Subtlety

Explanation:

"Nuance" is a noun which means fine shade of meaning. Your acting teacher might tell you to pay attention to the nuances of an actor's performance. This means that you are paying attention to the subtle differences in vocal tone, emotion or facial expressions that the actor uses to enhance understanding of his performance. "Subtlety" is a noun which means being delicate or precise. This is a similar meaning to "nuance."

"Differentiate" is a verb meaning to recognize differences between things. You may use your skills of differentiation to determine the fine nuances in the actor's performance, but it is the act of making the determination, not the fine shades of meaning themselves.

"Enhance" is a verb which means to make better.

"Ensconce" is a verb which means to settle in a secret place.

"Obfuscate" is a verb which means to make unclear; to confuse or bewilder.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

ENIGMA

Possible Answers:

Puzzle

Noxious

Reliable

Mysterious

Disoriented

Correct answer:

Puzzle

Explanation:

An "enigma" is a noun meaning mystery or puzzle. "Puzzle" is also a noun, while "mysterious" is an adjective meaning difficult to understand. "Puzzle" is a better choice than "mysterious" because "puzzle" and "enigma" are both nouns.

"Noxious" is an adjective meaning poisonous; harmful.

"Disoriented" is also an adjective. It means not oriented; confused. You might become disoriented in the forest and walk in the opposite direction of your campsite.

"Reliable" is an adjective meaning trustworthy.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors