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 #806 : Synonyms

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

POTENTIAL

Possible Answers:

Normal 

Adaptable

Abnormal 

Possible

Susceptible

Correct answer:

Possible

Explanation:

"Potential" means possible or perhaps occurring in the future. So, the answer choice closest in meaning to "potential" is "possible," which means able to happen. For additional help, "susceptible" means able to be affected by something negative, "adaptable" means able to change to meet the needs of different circumstances, and "abnormal" means not normal.

Example Question #807 : Synonyms

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

FOLD

Possible Answers:

Crease

Stamp

Spot

Stain

State

Correct answer:

Crease

Explanation:

The words "fold" and "crease" are synonymous and refer to a marked bend in something. The other words do not share this meaning; however, they are interesting because they all have multiple meanings. Try brainstorming a few of them and challenge yourself by figuring out if the words you come up with are adjectives, verbs, or nouns.

Example Question #808 : Synonyms

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

FUEL

Possible Answers:

Feed

Earth

Feeling

Comb

Sand

Correct answer:

Feed

Explanation:

The words "fuel" and "feed" are synonymous verbs. Note that "fuel," when used as a noun, cannot be used identify the correct solution. Consider that words sometimes have multiple meanings and functions as parts of speech. The other answer choices are not at all related in meaning to "fuel" (as a verb). Consider that when someone adds "fuel" to a fire, he or she is "feeding" the fire.

Example Question #809 : Synonyms

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

FRAME

Possible Answers:

Announce

Set up

Picture

Pronounce

Speak

Correct answer:

Set up

Explanation:

In this case, the word "frame" functions as a verb and can be used to describe the action of using false evidence to get someone in trouble: "The hero, who was being framed by his archenemy, told the police that he was set up. The other words, except for picture, have to do with language usage. A "picture" might be something you put in a "frame"; however a "picture" is not in itself a "frame."

Example Question #810 : Synonyms

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

WIND

Possible Answers:

Airborne 

Fire

Twist

Flame

Gel

Correct answer:

Twist

Explanation:

The verb "wind" is synonymous with "twist": "Wind the wire around the coil, twisting it until the coil is completely covered." The other words are not verbs and are not at all related to the verb (or the noun) wind. "Airborne" might seem similar to the word wind; however, "airborne" actually is an adjective describing something that is in the air.

Example Question #31 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings

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

FACE

Possible Answers:

Eyeliner

Glasses

Confront

Make-up

Pimple

Correct answer:

Confront

Explanation:

The verbs "face" and "confront" are synonymous. "Face your fears; confront them courageously." The other words may seem related to the noun "face" (not the verb), but they are not synonyms. A person might have a "pimple" on his or her "face," wear "glasses," or use "make-up" such as "eyeliner." A "face" (noun) is not the same as "glasses" or a "pimple."

Example Question #32 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings

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

WANT

Possible Answers:

Change

Loss

Lack

Failure

Remainder

Correct answer:

Lack

Explanation:

The nouns "want" and "lack" are synonymous: "His want of patience was related to his lack of satisfaction." The nouns "change" (think money) and "remainder" are closely related. "Loss" and "failure" are also closely related. 

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