HSPT Verbal : Synonyms

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Verbs About Emotional Changes

"Abhor" most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

despise

instigate

enhance

covet

desire

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.

Example Question #151 : Synonyms

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

CURTAIL

Possible Answers:

Decrease

Duration

Evolve

Contaminate

Accelerate

Correct answer:

Decrease

Explanation:

"Curtail" is a verb meaning to reduce or limit and sometimes impose a restriction on. The word closest in meaning to this is "decrease" which also means to reduce

"Accelerate" means to increase. This is the opposite of "curtail." 

"Contaminate" means to make impure

"Duration" is the time in which something happens.

"Evolve" means to gradually become more complex.

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