SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Determining Meaning from Type of Relationship

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #261 : Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Bog is to __________ as perfume is to cologne.

Possible Answers:

rivulet

estuary

swamp

peak

islet

Correct answer:

swamp

Explanation:

"Perfume" and "cologne" are synonyms of one another, both words mean something sprayed onto one's body to make one smell nicer. Although colloquially "perfume" is used for women and "cologne" for men. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these is a synonym of "bog." Well, a "bog" is wet, muddy ground that is difficult to traverse. This is very similar in meaning to "swamp." Additionally, a "rivulet" is a small river, a tributary or offshoot of a river; an "islet" is a small island; an "estuary" is the mouth of a river, where the river meets the ocean; "peak" means summit, the top of a mountain.

Example Question #383 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Excel is to __________ as hearken is to listen.

Possible Answers:

confer

falter

surpass

retrieve

heed

Correct answer:

surpass

Explanation:

"Hearken" means pay attention to, "listen" carefully to. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words is a synonym of "excel." Well, "excel" means go beyond, do better than expected, outdo. This is very similar in meaning to "surpass." Additionally, "retrieve" means fetch, go get and bring back; "heed" means pay attention to; "falter" means stumble, suffer a setback; "confer" means discuss with.

Example Question #262 : Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Debris is to __________ as control is to dominion.

Possible Answers:

atrocity

grievance

pauper

snag

refuse

Correct answer:

refuse

Explanation:

"Control" and "dominion" are synonyms, both words refer to authority over someone or something, power. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "debris." Well, "debris" is trash, garbage, material that is no longer needed. This is identical in meaning to "refuse." Additionally, an "atrocity" is a terrible or violent act committed by someone; a "pauper" is a poor person; a "snag" is a drawback, a hindrance, a small problem that gets in the way of the progress of something; a "grievance" is a small complaint, a legitimate issue with something.

Example Question #385 : Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Hue is to __________ as muck is to filth.

Possible Answers:

distance

emotion

color

size

time

Correct answer:

color

Explanation:

"Muck" and "filth" are synonyms, both words refer to dirt, grime, waste. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "hue." Well, "hue" means "color," shade.

Example Question #263 : Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Contaminate is to pollute as __________ is to disturb.

Possible Answers:

confine

endorse

unsettle

venerate

muster

Correct answer:

unsettle

Explanation:

"Contaminate" and "pollute" are synonyms of one another, both words mean to make impure, to make toxic. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words means the same thing as "disturb." Well, "disturb" means interfere with or cause to feel upset or cause to be out of place. This is very similar in meaning to "unsettle," (cause to feel anxious or upset). Additionally, "muster" means gather, summon, bring together; "confine" means imprison, lock away; "endorse" means offer public support for; "venerate" means deeply respect and honor.

Example Question #264 : Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Constable is to policeman as potion is to __________.

Possible Answers:

mentality

elixir

banter

edifice

adage

Correct answer:

elixir

Explanation:

A "constable" is another name for a police officer or a "policeman." So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these is another name for a "potion." The correct answer is "elixir." An "adage" is an old saying meant to impart some lesson; an "edifice" is a building; "banter" means playful teasing, usually among friends; "mentality" means state of mind, how one is feeling about something.

Example Question #265 : Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Incense is to enrage as __________ is to lethal.

Possible Answers:

brazen

deadly

diligent

painful

timely

Correct answer:

deadly

Explanation:

"Incense" and "enrage" are synonyms, both words mean to make angry, to cause to be irate. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "lethal." Well, "lethal" means fatal, "deadly," likely to lead to death. Additionally, "timely" means suitable, happening at the right time; "diligent" means hardworking and determined; "brazen" means bold and brash, arrogant.

Example Question #266 : Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Bankroll is to __________ as chart is to map.

Possible Answers:

finance

replicate

usurp

deliberate

estimate

Correct answer:

finance

Explanation:

When used as verbs both "chart" and "map" mean to make a map of an area. They are therefore synonyms, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these is a synonym of "bankroll." Well, "bankroll" means provide the necessary money for. This is the same meaning as "finance." Additionally, "usurp" means take over power from; "estimate" means guess, make a guess about based on evidence; "replicate" means copy, mimic; "deliberate" means think deeply and critically about a decision.

Example Question #267 : Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Farcical is to __________ as restless is to hyperactive.

Possible Answers:

ponderous

opinionated

poisonous

preposterous

elegant

Correct answer:

preposterous

Explanation:

"Restless" and "hyperactive" are synonyms of one another, both words mean to have a lot of energy and be incapable of staying still. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "farcical." Well, "farcical" means absurd and ridiculous to the point of being laughable. This is very similar in definition to "preposterous," which means absurd, silly and unbelievable. Additionally, "ponderous" means slow-moving, boring; "elegant" means dignified, refined, having a graceful style; "opinionated" means having lots of opinions and not being afraid of expressing them.

Example Question #268 : Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Mausoleum is to tomb as __________ is to voyage.

Possible Answers:

forte

inkling

odyssey

ditty

compunction

Correct answer:

odyssey

Explanation:

"Mausoleum" and "tomb" are synonyms of one another, both words refer to a place where someone is buried. Although a "mausoleum" is usually above ground. Regardless, to solve this analogy you need to figure out which of these words has the same meaning as "voyage." Well, a "voyage" is an adventurous journey. So, the correct answer is "odyssey." Although "odyssey" can suggest a difficult or challenging adventurous journey. Additionally, a "ditty" is a short, playful song; an "inkling" is a suspicion about something; a "forte" is a strong point, something someone is particularly good at; "compunction" is regret, feeling bad about something done wrong.

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