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 #651 : Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Illegible is to read as incomprehensible is to __________.

Possible Answers:

repeat

smell

taste

understand

hear

Correct answer:

understand

Explanation:

“Illegible” is an adjective that consists of the negative prefix “il-“ and “legible,” so one might infer that it means “not readable.” That inference would be correct, as “illegible” means “not clear enough to be read,” so we need to pick out a verb that describes what you can’t do to something that is “incomprehensible.” “Incomprehensible” is a word that also consists of the negative prefix “in-“ and “comprehensible,” and because “comprehensible” means “able to be understood,” one might infer that “incomprehensible” means “not able to be understood.” That inference would be correct, as “incomprehensible” means “not able to be understood; not intelligible.” So, just as one cannot read something that is illegible, one cannot understand something that is incomprehensible, so “understand” is the correct answer.

Example Question #5 : Abilities

Complete this analogy.

Melt is to liquid as __________ is to gas.

Possible Answers:

eradicate

truncate

evaporate

prognosticate

fabricate

Correct answer:

evaporate

Explanation:

The process by which something turns from a solid into a "liquid" is called "melting." So, to solve this analogy you have to determine which of these words means to turn something into a "gas." The correct answer is "evaporate." Additionally, "truncate" means shorten; "eradicate" means completely destroy; "fabricate" means fake, make up a story; "prognosticate" means make a prediction about the future.

Example Question #6 : Abilities

Complete this analogy.

Legible is to __________ as visible is to see.

Possible Answers:

talk

catch

hear

find

read

Correct answer:

read

Explanation:

"Visible" means able to be "seen." So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these actions is described by "legible." Well, "legible" means (of writing) able to be "read."

Example Question #7 : Abilities

Complete this analogy.

Doctor is to relief as _________________.

Possible Answers:

sunlight is to sunshine

wall is to separation 

lotion is to moisture 

singer is to entertainment

car is to transportation

Correct answer:

singer is to entertainment

Explanation:

The correct answer is "singer is to entertainment."

This analogy explores the relationship of what an individual provides through his or her occupation. 

A doctor provides relief (from pain). A singer provides entertainment (to the general public).

Example Question #1 : Other Analogies

Analogies: Complete this analogy.

Singer is to cantata as driver is to __________.

Possible Answers:

steering wheel

motivation

breakneck

racecourse

tire

Correct answer:

racecourse

Explanation:

A "cantata" is a piece of music for singers and instruments. A singer sings or navigates through a cantata. A driver navigates a racecourse. A driver controls an automobile, but not in the same way a singer sings a song. A singer sings a song, a driver drives a racecourse.

Example Question #652 : Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Escalator is to stairs as motorcycle is to __________.

Possible Answers:

carriage

car

running

skateboard

bicycle

Correct answer:

bicycle

Explanation:

Since an escalator is an automated moving staircase powered by electricity, we can think of it as an automated, electric version of a staircase. So, we need to pick out an answer choice which describes something we could think of as being an un-electrified, un-automated motorcycle. Since both bicycles and motorcycles are two-wheeled vehicles, but motorcycles have motors whereas bicycles are propelled by the rider's pedaling, "bicycle" is the correct answer.

Example Question #653 : Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Sun is to eclipse as window is to __________.

Possible Answers:

glass

scratch

shatter

curtains

breeze

Correct answer:

curtains

Explanation:

“Eclipse” is a word that when used as a noun can mean the passage of one celestial object in front of the sun, partially or completely blocking its light from reaching Earth. So, because an eclipse obscures the sun, we need to pick out an answer choice that represents something that obscures a window. While “glass” might look like a potentially correct answer because windows are often made of glass, glass does not obscure windows, so “glass” cannot be the correct answer. Curtains, however, obscure windows just as an eclipse obscures the sun, so “curtains” is the correct answer.

Example Question #654 : Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Analogies: Complete this analogy.

Rode is to road as doe is to __________.

Possible Answers:

forest

deer

ray

wood

dough

Correct answer:

dough

Explanation:

“Rode” and “road” are homonyms, since they sound the same but have different meanings. “Doe” means female deer and sounds the same as “dough” when pronounced.

Example Question #72 : Qualities, Features, Abilities, And Other Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Grimace is to pain as __________ is to happiness.

Possible Answers:

beam

gape

scowl

stare

frown

Correct answer:

beam

Explanation:

To "grimace" is to express pain using one's face. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words means to express happiness using one's face, to smile. The correct answer is "beam" which means intensely smile with joy. Additionally, "gape" means stare; "scowl" means frown in anger or frustration.

Example Question #4 : Other Analogies

Complete this analogy.

Gape is to wonder as __________ is to fear.

Possible Answers:

stare

monitor

leap

tremble

sprint

Correct answer:

tremble

Explanation:

To "gape" means to stare in wonder or amazement. So, it is a physical manifestation of the feeling of "wonder." Which of these is a physical manifestation of the feeling of "fear?" The correct answer is to "tremble," which means to shake with fear or anxiety. Additionally, "sprint" means run fast; "leap" means jump high or far; "monitor" means watch, observe.

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