SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Analogies: Determining Meaning from Type of Relationship

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #16 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Eclectic is to diverse as revere is to __________.

Possible Answers:

haughty 

disrespect

venerate 

inherit 

propagate 

Correct answer:

venerate 

Explanation:

Eclectic and diverse are synonyms that both mean widespread and varied. So to solve this analogy you have to determine which of these answer choices is the best synonym for revere. Revere means to treat or hold somebody with admiration and respect. So the correct answer is “venerate” which means to respect somebody greatly. For clarification, "propagate" means to spread; "haughty" means bold.

Example Question #111 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Avid is to ardent as emaciated is to __________.

Possible Answers:

culinary

satiated

gaunt 

delectable 

jubilant 

Correct answer:

gaunt 

Explanation:

Avid and ardent are synonyms that both mean eager, keen or enthusiastic. So to solve this analogy you have to determine which of these answer choices is the best synonym for emaciated. Emaciated means dangerously skinny so the correct answer is “gaunt” which means extremely thin and bony. For clarification, "culinary" relates to food or cooking; "delectable" describes something delicious; "satiated" describes the feeling of being full or satisfied; "jubilant" means very happy.

Example Question #112 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Enigma is to mystery as penurious is to __________.

Possible Answers:

conflagration 

imagination 

destitution 

celebration 

domination 

Correct answer:

destitution 

Explanation:

Enigma and mystery are synonyms for one another that both mean not understood or puzzling. So to solve this analogy you must identify the best available synonym for penurious. Penurious means very poor so the correct answer is “destitution” which also means very poor or completely downtrodden to the point of deep impoverishment. For clarification, "conflagration" refers to a large fire or heated disagreement between two people or groups.

Example Question #19 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Sagacious is to wise as malevolent is to __________.

Possible Answers:

intelligent 

good 

foolish 

brave

evil 

Correct answer:

evil 

Explanation:

Sagacious is another way of saying wise so to solve this analogy you have to determine which of the answer choices is the best synonym for malevolent. "Malevolent" means evil.

Example Question #20 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Pygmy is to dwarf as lilliputian is to __________.

Possible Answers:

giant 

ugly 

fat 

tall 

tiny 

Correct answer:

tiny 

Explanation:

Pygmy, dwarf, and lilliputian are all synonyms that loosely mean short or very small; the correct answer is “tiny.”

Example Question #113 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Adversary is to opponent as zealous is to __________.

Possible Answers:

unabashed 

unkind 

unsure 

fervent 

felonious

Correct answer:

fervent 

Explanation:

Adversary is a synonym for opponent so you have to identify the best available synonym for zealous. To be zealous about something means to be feverish with enthusiasm. This should lead you to the correct answer which is “fervent.” For clarification, "felonious" means of or relation to the committing of crimes; "unabashed" means brazen or bold.

Example Question #114 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Abrupt is to brusque as glimpse is to __________.

Possible Answers:

castigate 

mourn 

ignore 

profane 

espy 

Correct answer:

espy 

Explanation:

Abrupt and brusque are synonyms that both mean sudden, blunt or unexpected. So to solve this analogy you have to determine which of the answer choices is the best available synonym for glimpse. To glimpse means to see, to have a quick look so the correct answer is “espy” which means suddenly see or detect something. For clarification, "castigate" means scold, tell-off; "mourn" means to express sadness for the loss of someone or something; "profane" means rude and disrespectful.

Example Question #115 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Clear is to pellucid as unclear is to __________.

Possible Answers:

opaque 

pariah 

pedagogue

immutable 

facile 

Correct answer:

opaque 

Explanation:

Pellucid is a synonym for clear; so to solve this analogy you have to identify the best available synonym for unclear. This should lead you to the correct answer which is “opaque.” For clarification, "pedagogue" is a schoolteacher; a "pariah" is a social outcast; "facile" means easy; "immutable" means not changing or not able to be changed.

Example Question #116 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Overflowing is to replete as lithe is to __________.

Possible Answers:

comely 

supple

disdainful

portly 

illogical

Correct answer:

supple

Explanation:

Overflowing is a synonym for replete. Replete means to be amply equipped, or to have surpassed full. So to solve this analogy you have to determine which of the answer choices is the best synonym for lithe. Lithe means flexible and supple. For clarification, "portly" means fat; "comely" means cute; "disdainful" describes a person or action worthy of negative description.

Example Question #117 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Vilify is to slander as laud is to __________.

Possible Answers:

temerity 

subsist 

exhale

inculcate

extol

Correct answer:

extol

Explanation:

Vilify and slander are synonyms, both words describe the action of speaking maliciously about someone and condemning them. Slander usually has a connotation of being untrue. To solve this analogy you have to determine which of the answer choices is the best synonym for laud. To laud something means to praise so the correct answer is “extol.” “Extol” means to describe the virtues of someone or something. For clarification, "subsist" means to manage to survive, exist; "inculcate" means instill; "temerity" means audacity.

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