SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

FANCY

Possible Answers:

Liking

Coincidence

Multitude

Esteem

Phantom

Correct answer:

Liking

Explanation:

"Fancy" can be an adjective meaning elaborate and decorative. "Fancy" can also be a noun meaning taste or inclination. With this second definition in mind, liking is a synonym and therefore the correct answer.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

QUIBBLE

Possible Answers:

Laud 

Acknowledge

Defy 

Panic 

Complain 

Correct answer:

Complain 

Explanation:

"Quibble," when used as a verb, means to complain about petty negative aspects of something, and when used as a noun, means a relatively unimportant complaint. So, "complain" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "quibble." For clarification, "panic" means to suddenly feel afraid or stressed in an uncontrolled way, "laud" means praise, "acknowledge" means recognize, and "defy" means resist.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

DEFECT

Possible Answers:

To flee

To lose your hearing

To find fault

To change allegiance

To fight against something

Correct answer:

To change allegiance

Explanation:

If you change your side or allegiance, the side you ally yourself with, then you “defect.” A “defect” is a fault so be careful. If you “flee,” you run away or retreat, so it is not quite right.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

CHAMPION

Possible Answers:

Promote 

Loss 

Abandon 

Disparage 

Victory 

Correct answer:

Promote 

Explanation:

"Champion" is often used as a noun that means victor or winner. However, "champion" can also mean promote, as in the sentence, “She championed the cause of animal rights.” So, "promote" is the correct answer. For clarification, "abandon" means discard, and "disparage" means mock.

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

UNIFORM

Possible Answers:

Children

School

Performance

Livery

Occupation

Correct answer:

Livery

Explanation:

When used as a noun, "uniform" means a specific, standardized outfit worn by members of a certain group. "Livery" is a noun meaning a particular kind of uniform worn by servants, and because "livery" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "uniform," "livery" is the correct answer.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

WAFT

Possible Answers:

Fall

Throw 

Jump

Drift 

Plunge 

Correct answer:

Drift 

Explanation:

The correct answer is "drift."

"Waft" is a verb (or noun) that means to pass (or cause to pass) easily/gently through the air or as if through the air

This makes "drift" (carried slowly by a current of air or water) making it the correct synonym.

Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

COACH

Possible Answers:

Exercise

Uniform

Master

Gym

Carriage

Correct answer:

Carriage

Explanation:

"Coach" can be a noun meaning an athletic instructor, or a verb meaning to instruct one in a sport. A "coach" can also be a noun meaning "carriage," (generally horse-draw) which is the correct answer.

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