HSPT Verbal : Synonyms

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #121 : Synonyms

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

COMMOTION

Possible Answers:

Examination

Creativity

Verification

Malice

Disturbance

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 #4 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

EQUANIMITY

Possible Answers:

Calmness

Disinfectant

Escape

Entrance

Whimper

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 #5 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

SAGACITY

Possible Answers:

Foolishness

Oblivion

Wisdom

Premonition

Perpetuity

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 #122 : Synonyms

"Aberration" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

consideration

fleeting

imitation

deviance

freezing

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 #123 : Synonyms

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

NUANCE

Possible Answers:

Differentiate

Obfuscate

Subtlety

Enhance

Ensconce

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 #124 : Synonyms

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

ENIGMA

Possible Answers:

Reliable

Puzzle

Mysterious

Noxious

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.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Verbs

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

LAUD

Possible Answers:

correct

provoke

praise

challenge

conform

Correct answer:

praise

Explanation:

"Laud" means to praise highly.

Example Question #23 : Synonyms: Verbs

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

PROPOUND

Possible Answers:

choose

conciliate

proceed

condemn

offer

Correct answer:

offer

Explanation:

"Propound" means to put forward or offer for consideration.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Verbs About Communicating, Arguing, And Understanding

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

CHORTLE

Possible Answers:

Laugh

Preserve

Pen

Understand

Deflate

Correct answer:

Laugh

Explanation:

"Chortle" means to chuckle gleefully, so "laugh" is the correct answer because it is the closest synonym amongst the given answer choices.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

DENOTE

Possible Answers:

Prescribe

Expound

Criticize

Indicate

Uncover

Correct answer:

Indicate

Explanation:

"Denote" means to be a sign of, or to indicate.

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