SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #21 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

DOLEFUL

Possible Answers:

Indomitable

Deer-like

Melancholy

Elated

Mediocre

Correct answer:

Melancholy

Explanation:

"Doleful" means "melancholy," sad, or depressing.

None of the other words are synonymous with doleful:

"Mediocre" means average or ordinary.

"Indomitable" means invincible, stubborn or unyielding.

"Deer-like" means related to a deer, or possessing qualities of a deer. Deer are often described as having doleful eyes.

"Elated" means wildly excited and happy, or euphoric.

Example Question #22 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

MELANCHOLY

Possible Answers:

Antsy

Anxious

Excited

Nervous

Somber

Correct answer:

Somber

Explanation:

"Melancholy" is an adjective describing an emotion synonymous with "somber." The rest of the answers are all closely related: "Excited," "Anxious," "Antsy," and "Nervous" are all emotions, but they are not emotions related to sadness in the way "melancholy" and "somber" are.

Example Question #23 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

DISTRAUGHT

Possible Answers:

Pleasant

Fraught

Polite

Obliging

Agreeable

Correct answer:

Fraught

Explanation:

"Distraught" and "fraught" are synonyms describing a person's emotional state, a deeply upset and disquieted one. These words are opposite in meaning to the rest of the answer choices, which all describe pleasant states.

Example Question #24 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

BASHFUL

Possible Answers:

Demolished

Shy

Broken

Carefree

Blithe

Correct answer:

Shy

Explanation:

"Bashful" means shy, reserved, or inhibited. "Broken" means not functional, and "demolished" means destroyed or ruined. "Carefree" and "blithe" both mean happily untroubled and unworried.

Example Question #25 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

SUSPICIOUS

Possible Answers:

Mistrustful

Dun

Umber

Unschooled

Ignorant

Correct answer:

Mistrustful

Explanation:

To be "suspicious" of someone or something is not to trust that person or thing. "Ignorant" and "unschooled" both mean uneducated or lacking knowledge. "Dun" is a gray-brown color, and "umber" is a dark brown color.

Example Question #26 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

CONFOUNDED

Possible Answers:

Bewildered

Benighted

Highly intelligent

Ignorant

Nautical

Correct answer:

Bewildered

Explanation:

"Confounded" and "confused" both mean bewildered. "Benighted" and "ignorant" both mean lacking knowledge. "Nautical" means maritime, which is a word often used to describe sailors or sailing. "Intelligent" and "stupid" are antonyms.

Example Question #27 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

BITTER

Possible Answers:

Delighted

Resentful

Placating

Gleeful

Forgiving

Correct answer:

Resentful

Explanation:

While "bitter" can describe a sharp, acid taste, it can also describe an angry or resentful emotional state. This word is the opposite of "forgiving". To "placate" someone is to soothe or calm that person. "Gleeful" and "delighted" are synonyms.

Example Question #28 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

DEFEATED

Possible Answers:

Victorious

Quizzical

Expectant

Neutral

Demoralized

Correct answer:

Demoralized

Explanation:

"Defeated" and "victorious" are antonyms, but "defeated" and "demoralized" are synonyms. "Expectant" means anticipatory. "Quizzical" means puzzled. "Neutral" means taking neither side in an argument or conflict.

Example Question #29 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

MODEST

Possible Answers:

Precise

Aggressive

Meek

Humble

Pushy

Correct answer:

Humble

Explanation:

"Modest" and "humble" mean self-effacing and moderate. "Aggressive" and "pushy" both mean forceful. "Precise" and "accurate" are near synonyms, as are "meek" and "submissive."

Example Question #30 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

QUIZZICAL

Possible Answers:

Puzzled

Mollified

Erroneous

Appeased

Chic

Correct answer:

Puzzled

Explanation:

"Quizzical" and "puzzled" are synonyms referring to the state of being confused. "Mollified" and "appeased" both mean soothed or placated. "Erroneous" means wrong, incorrect. "Chic" means stylish or fashionable.

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