SSAT Elementary Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SSAT Elementary Level Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

MANUAL

Possible Answers:

Telescope 

Binoculars 

Animal 

Car

Handbook 

Correct answer:

Handbook 

Explanation:

A "manual" is a handbook or a written guide on how to do something or directions included with a product that explain how to use it. So, "handbook" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "manual": a "telescope" is a device you use to look at things in outer space; and "binoculars" are a device that you use to look at something far away.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

ENDEAVOR

Possible Answers:

Search 

Undertaking 

Journey 

Ship 

Explore

Correct answer:

Undertaking 

Explanation:

“Endeavor” means seriously and continually try to do something, and an “endeavor” is an activity directed toward a goal. Likewise, an “undertaking” is an activity directed towards a goal, so "undertaking" is the correct answer. You can say a long “journey” is a great endeavor or a big undertaking, for instance, but “journey” is not synonymous with "endeavor" or "undertaking." “Search” means look for, and “explore” means adventure or look around an area with which you are not familiar

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

BUFF

Possible Answers:

Burnish

Facilitate

Tackle

Skip

Puff

Correct answer:

Burnish

Explanation:

When used as a verb, "buff" means "polish" or burnish, so "polish" is the correct answer.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

Each of the following questions consists of one word followed by five words or phrases. Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

BEAR

Possible Answers:

Huge

Growl

Fume

Wild

Withstand

Correct answer:

Withstand

Explanation:

BEAR may refer to several things, but the only option that has one of its meanings is withstand.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

Each of the following questions consists of one word followed by five words or phrases. Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

MARKET

Possible Answers:

Promote

Contract

Office

Meeting

Negotiate

Correct answer:

Promote

Explanation:

To MARKET something means to promote it.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

CONDUCT

Possible Answers:

Legend 

Citadel

Comprehension

Behavior 

Stitch

Correct answer:

Behavior 

Explanation:

When used as a noun, "conduct" means behavior or deportment, so "behavior" is the correct answer. (Perhaps your school has a "code of conduct" that explains rules about behavior.) None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "conduct": a “legend” is a myth; a "citadel" is a fortress; "comprehension" is understanding; and a "stitch" is a unit in knitting or in a seam in sewing.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

SOIL

Possible Answers:

Wash

Insist

Dangle

Stir

Stain

Correct answer:

Stain

Explanation:

"Soil" can mean dirt when used as a noun, but because none of the answer choices can be used as nouns, this isn't the meaning that you should consider. When used as a verb, "soil" means cause to become dirty; "soiled clothing" is dirty clothing. Given this, the correct answer is "stain," as when something is "stained," it is made dirty through unwanted markings, or "soiled." As for the other answer choices, "wash," when used as a verb, is an antonym, or opposite, of "soil," because while "soil" means cause to become dirty, "wash" means cause to become clean through the use of soap and water. "Insist," "dangle," and "whisk" are not related in meaning to "soil": "insist" means demand to have one's way; "dangle" means suspend in midair; and "stir" means mix something to blend its parts together.

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

SOVEREIGN

Possible Answers:

Kind

Generous

Organized

Supreme

Flawless

Correct answer:

Supreme

Explanation:

"Sovereign" is defined as possessing supreme or ultimate power, so "supreme" is the best answer choice. The word "sovereign" is often used when referring to government officials who wield a great deal of power and influence over the masses.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

DOCUMENT

Possible Answers:

Discover

Unearth

Record

Discuss

Battle

Correct answer:

Record

Explanation:

"Document," when used as a verb, means record something in written form, photographic form, or another form. As a noun, "document" means recorded information in the form of a paper with text on it. Seeing as "record" is mentioned in document's definition, record is clearly our best answer!

Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

BRAWL

Possible Answers:

Inspect

Sickness

Fight 

Carry

Goad 

Correct answer:

Fight 

Explanation:

To “brawl” means to fight, usually in a wild manner or, when used as a noun, just such a wild fight. To provide further help, “inspect” means to look at, and “goad” means to say things in order to try and get someone to do something stupid. It means something similar to “provoke” or “encourage.”

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