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 #2 : Actor And Action

Complete this analogy

Mariner is to __________ as pilot is to fly.

Possible Answers:

sail

park

carry

run

ride

Correct answer:

sail

Explanation:

A "pilot" is someone who operates a piece of machinery, (usually) someone who flies a plane. So, an action undertaken by a "pilot" is to "fly," which of these is an action undertaken by a "mariner"? Well, a "mariner" is a sailor, so the correct answer is "sail."

Example Question #3 : Actor And Action

Complete this analogy.

Hand is to __________ as foot is to wander.

Possible Answers:

sprint

grasp

finger

trot

leap

Correct answer:

grasp

Explanation:

A "foot" might be used to "wander," so to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these is something that a hand might be used to do. The correct answer is "grasp" which means grab onto, hold onto. Additionally, "leap" means jump high; "sprint" means run fast; "trot" means (when describing a four-legged animal like a horse or a dog) to walk slightly faster.

Example Question #1 : Actor And Action

Complete this analogy.

Mentor is to __________ as orator is to articulate.

Possible Answers:

relocate

reside

advise

impugn

delete

Correct answer:

advise

Explanation:

An "orator" is a gifted and frequent public speaker. An "orator" is likely to be able to "articulate" complicated ideas. In this instance "articulate" means express complex ideas using simple or appealing language. So, which of these is something that a "mentor" is likely to be able to do? Well, a "mentor" is someone who provides guidance and advice to someone with less experience. So, the correct answer is "advise." Additionally, "relocate" means move; "reside" means occupy, take up space, live in; "impugn" means slander, talk negatively about, attack the reputation of.

Example Question #3 : Actor And Action

Complete this analogy.

Freighter is to transport as oracle is to __________.

Possible Answers:

splice

postpone

venerate

gall

prognosticate

Correct answer:

prognosticate

Explanation:

A "freighter" is a ship, or other vehicle used to move goods from one place to another. Its purpose is to "transport" things. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine what it is that an "oracle" does. Well, an "oracle" is a person or thing that predicts the future. So, the correct answer is "prognosticate" which means to make a prophecy about the future, to state what will happen later. Additionally, "postpone" means delay until later; "gall" means annoy, irritate; "venerate" means deeply respect and honor; "splice" means join together.

Example Question #4 : Actor And Action

Complete this analogy.

Curtsy is to respect as __________ is to injury.

Possible Answers:

hobble

vex

juxtapose

surmise

deceive

Correct answer:

hobble

Explanation:

A "curtsy" is the act of bending one's knee in deference. It is a sign of "respect." So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these is an action that is a sign of having an injury. The correct answer is "hobble," which means to walk in an awkward fashion such as to suggest pain. Additionally, "juxtapose" means compare two things side by side; "vex" means annoy and confuse and anger; "surmise" means determine something is true from the evidence; "deceive" means lie to in order to trick.

Example Question #5 : Actor And Action

Complete this analogy.

Detective is to __________ as medic is to heal.

Possible Answers:

abolish

ameliorate

anchor

interrogate

instigate

Correct answer:

interrogate

Explanation:

A "medic" is a doctor, someone who helps to "heal" people. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these is an action undertaken by a "detective." A "detective" is someone who solves crimes. So, the correct answer is "interrogate" which means to ask questions of a suspect to determine their guilt. Additionally, "ameliorate" means soothe, make better, provide relief for; "anchor" means fix in place; "abolish" means get rid of, do away with; "instigate" means bring about, cause to happen, start a conflict.

Example Question #6 : Actor And Action

Complete this analogy.

Chameleon is to __________ as wolf is to hunt.

Possible Answers:

fish

fly

disguise

sprint

solve

Correct answer:

disguise

Explanation:

An action generally associated with "wolves" is that they "hunt." So, which of these is an action generally associated with a "chameleon?" The correct answer is that "chameleons" are famous for being able to "disguise" or "camouflage" themselves. Additionally, "sprint" means run fast.

Example Question #7 : Actor And Action

Complete this analogy.

Sleuth is to investigate as wretch is to __________.

Possible Answers:

allude

atrophy

inspire

bemoan

disorient

Correct answer:

bemoan

Explanation:

A "sleuth" is another name for a "detective." So, an action likely to be undertaken by a "sleuth" is to "investigate." To solve this analogy you need to determine which of these is an action likely to be undertaken by a "wretch." Well, a "wretch" is a miserable, pitiable person who is suffering. So, the correct answer is "bemoan," which means express sorrow or frustration with. Additionally, "allude" means hint at, suggest; "disorient" means make feel lost or confused; "atrophy" means weaken over time due to lack of use

Example Question #6 : Actor And Action

Complete this analogy.

Peddler is to sell as vandal is to _____________.

Possible Answers:

create

destroy

buy

examine

improve

Correct answer:

destroy

Explanation:

A "peddler" is someone who travels around "selling" goods to people, often goods of dubious quality. So, if a "peddler" "sells," what does a "vandal" do? Well, a "vandal" is someone who goes around vandalizing things, someone who "destroys" or mars other people's property.

Example Question #521 : Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Benefactor is to __________ as mediator is to resolve.

Possible Answers:

broker

merit

contaminate

subsidize

dismantle

Correct answer:

subsidize

Explanation:

A "mediator" is someone who listens to an argument between two parties and tries to help them reach a compromise. The role of a "mediator" then is to "resolve" conflict. Which of these is an action that might be done by a "benefactor." Well, a "benefactor" is someone who provides money or other types of support in order to help someone else to do something. So, something a "benefactor" might do is "subsidize," which means support financially, give some money to. Additionally, "merit" means earn, deserve; "broker" means arrange, set up; "dismantle" means take apart; "contaminate" means make impure, make toxic.

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