SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adverbs

A synonym of "plumb" is . . .

Possible Answers:

horizontal

vex

fruit

utterly

bilk

Correct answer:

utterly

Explanation:

"Plumb" is an adverb that means "exactly" when used informally, we need to pick out a word which means something like "exactly." While "fruit" may look like an appealing answer because "plumb" is pronounced in exactly the same way as "plum," a kind of fruit, "plumb" and "plum" mean completely different things, so "fruit" cannot be the correct answer. Since "utterly" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "plumb," "utterly" is the correct answer.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adverbs

Synonyms: Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

GINGERLY

Possible Answers:

Hastily

Reddening

Fastening 

Cautiously

Gingery

Correct answer:

Cautiously

Explanation:

If you do something “gingerly,” you do it cautiously or carefully. Do not confuse it with, "gingery," which means related to the spice ginger. To clarify the other terms, “reddening” means turning red, such as when blushing; a “fastening” is something you use to affix things together; “hastily” means hurriedly or quickly.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

URGENTLY

Possible Answers:

Tenderly

Frighteningly

Pressingly

Dangerously

Vocationally

Correct answer:

Pressingly

Explanation:

If something is "urgent," it demands immediate or pressing attention. "Frightening" means scary, "dangerous" means risky, and "tender" means gentle. "Vocational" means relating to a job or occupation.

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

ELEGANTLY

Possible Answers:

Sophisticatedly

Richly

Tastelessly

Squeamishly

Blindly

Correct answer:

Sophisticatedly

Explanation:

"Elegant" can mean graceful, stylish, or sophisticated. "Squeamish" means easily made sick or queasy. A synonym for "rich" is affluent. "Tasteless" means lacking in either flavor or good judgment.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

SELFISHLY

Possible Answers:

Egocentrically

Selflessly

Cumulatively

Grandly

Abashedly

Correct answer:

Egocentrically

Explanation:

To be "selfish" is to lack concern for others, to be egocentric. "Abashed" means embarrassed or ashamed. "Selfless" is the opposite of selfish. "Cumulative" means growing by accumulation. "Grand" means large and impressive.

Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

EXCITEDLY

Possible Answers:

Patiently

Enthusiastically

Meekly

Profusely

Severally

Correct answer:

Enthusiastically

Explanation:

"Excitedly" means enthusiastically or eagerly. "Profusely" means excessively or extravagantly. "Meekly" means mildly or timidly. "Severally" means individually or separately. "Patient" means enduring difficulty or challenges with calmness.

Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

BLEAKLY

Possible Answers:

Loudly

Classically

Comfortingly

Desolately

Alarmingly

Correct answer:

Desolately

Explanation:

Something "bleak" is bare, desolate, or stark. Something "comforting" is reassuring and alleviates distress. Something "loud" is noisy, something "classical" is traditional and well established, and something "alarming" is worrisome or disturbing.

Example Question #8 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

GRIMLY

Possible Answers:

Underhandedly

Excessively

Qualitatively

Deviously

Darkly

Correct answer:

Darkly

Explanation:

"Grim" has a number of meanings: forbidding, dark, humorless, dreadful, and dire. "Excessive" means too much. "Qualitative," the opposite of quantitative refers to properties that aren't able to be measured numerically. "Underhanded" means dishonest or secretive, and "devious" means skillfully underhanded.

Example Question #9 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

PROFUSELY

Possible Answers:

Plentifully

Joyfully

Sneakily

Problematically

Eagerly

Correct answer:

Plentifully

Explanation:

"Profusely" means abundantly, plentifully, or even lavishly. A synonym for "joyful" is jubilant, and a synonym for "eager" is enthusiastic. "Sneakily" means in a sly or deceitful manner. "Problematic" means containing or presenting problems.

Example Question #10 : Synonyms: Adverbs

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

EMOTIONALLY

Possible Answers:

Sickly

Rapidly

Passionately

Irrationally

Unfeelingly

Correct answer:

Passionately

Explanation:

"Emotional" can mean relating to emotions, but it can also mean ardent, passionate, moving, or touching. It does not necessarily mean irrational. "Rapidly" means quickly, and "irrational" means not governed by reason or rationality. "Sickly" and "unhealthy" are synonyms of each other, as are "unfeeling" and "unsympathetic."

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