SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #586 : Synonyms

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

WANTON

Possible Answers:

Boring

Dull

Bothersome

Disinterested

Playful

Correct answer:

Playful

Explanation:

"Wanton" and "playful" are synonyms referring to a carefree (as opposed to serious) disposition. The other words do not have this meaning. Although the word "wanton" is somewhat difficult, analyzing the other answer choices and recognizing that "playful" is not at all related to the words "bothersome," "disinterested," "boring," and "dull," which all have negative connotations, can help you arrive at the correct answer.

Example Question #587 : Synonyms

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

BLUNT

Possible Answers:

Fickle

Masculine

Feminine

Forward

Indirect

Correct answer:

Forward

Explanation:

The words "blunt" and "forward" can be used to describe someone who is very direct (almost rudely so) when he or she expresses him or herself. The other words do not share this meaning. Words like "masculine" and "feminine" are clearly unrelated to the word "blunt." And the word "indirect" is actually an antonym of the word "blunt." Carefully considering the other answer choices may help you arrive at the correct answer.

Example Question #588 : Synonyms

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

FICKLE

Possible Answers:

Fussy

Finicky

Youthful

Inconstant

Humble

Correct answer:

Inconstant

Explanation:

The words "fickle" and "inconstant" describe the personality of someone who changes his or her mind frequently. The other words do not share this meaning. The words "finicky" and "fussy" are synonymous with each other, describing someone with fastidious behavior. "Humble" and "youthful" are not related in meaning to the word fickle.

Example Question #591 : Synonyms

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

CALLOUS

Possible Answers:

Criminal

Caring

Insensitive

Compassionate

Dense

Correct answer:

Insensitive

Explanation:

"Callous" means "insensitive" or cruel.

"Criminal" means corrupt or illegal.

"Dense" means thick or compressed; as a personality trait it means unintelligent.

"Compassionate" means caring and empathetic.

"Caring" means to be kind and attentive to another's needs.

Example Question #592 : Synonyms

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

SCRUPULOUS

Possible Answers:

Kind

Immoral

Devious

Monastic

Principled

Correct answer:

Principled

Explanation:

"Scrupulous" means "principled," honest or trustworthy.

"Kind" means generous and good.

"Monastic" means secluded or contemplative or related to a monk.

"Devious" means deceitful, dishonest, wily.

"Immoral" means evil, degenerate or unscrupulous.

Example Question #593 : Synonyms

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

CYNICAL

Possible Answers:

Disgusting

Pertinent

Distrusting

Displaced

Relevant

Correct answer:

Distrusting

Explanation:

The adjective "cynical" is used to describe someone who is distrusting of others and inclined to believe things are less virtuous than they seem. Additionally, "disgusting" means gross, unattractive, sickening; "displaced" means moved from its original position, dislodged, shifted; "pertinent" is a synonym of "relevant" they both mean related to the topic of discussion, important to what is happening.

Example Question #594 : Synonyms

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

KEEN

Possible Answers:

Creative

Serene

Eager

Unwilling

Jolly

Correct answer:

Eager

Explanation:

The adjective "keen" can mean either "eager," willing to do something or sharp, quick-witted, intelligent. Additionally, "jolly" means cheerful, good-natured, happy; "serene" means peaceful; "unwilling" means not wanting to do something.

Example Question #595 : Synonyms

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

CHARISMATIC

Possible Answers:

Vigilant

Nauseating

Inert

Ominous

Charming

Correct answer:

Charming

Explanation:

The adjective "charismatic" means charming and interesting, having a personality that other people find attractive and fascinating. Additionally, "inert" means motionless, not moving, having no energy; "vigilant" means watchful, attentive, paying careful attention to something; "nauseating" means sickening, disgusting, causing one to feel sick; "ominous" means threatening, suggesting something bad or dangerous will happen.

Example Question #596 : Synonyms

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

STAID

Possible Answers:

Reckless

Serious

Dynamic

Hedonistic

Composed

Correct answer:

Serious

Explanation:

The adjective "staid" is used to describe someone who is serious and respectable, but also boring and unadventurous. Additionally, "composed" means under control in a stressful situation; "reckless" means out of control, prone to taking risks, careless; "dynamic" means energetic, forceful, powerful; "hedonistic" means devoted to the pursuit of pleasure, self-indulgent and immoderate.

Example Question #597 : Synonyms

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

STILTED

Possible Answers:

Angelic

Genuine

Rash

Pretentious

Fastidious

Correct answer:

Pretentious

Explanation:

"Stilted" means "pretentious," artificial or overly-formal.

"Genuine" means real, authentic or honest.

"Rash" means irrational, impulsive or hasty.

"Fastidious" means fussy, meticulous, or extremely careful.

"Angelic" means like an angel, sweet, kind, or beautiful.

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