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 #231 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Indefatigable is to unflagging as __________ is to disingenuous.

Possible Answers:

mendacious

debauched

truculent

sincere

juvenile

Correct answer:

mendacious

Explanation:

"Indefatigable" and "unflagging" are synonyms, both words mean relentless, tireless, persistent and tenacious. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "disingenuous." Well, "disingenuous" means not truthful, deceptive. So, the correct answer is "mendacious." Additionally, "truculent" means aggressive; "juvenile" means immature, youthful; "sincere" means open and honest, genuine; "debauched" means depraved, wicked, (of behavior) sinful.

Example Question #232 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Encumber is to __________ as contort is to twist.

Possible Answers:

burden

express

betray

acknowledge

assume

Correct answer:

burden

Explanation:

"Contort" and "twist" are synonyms, both words mean to bend out of shape. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "encumber." Well, "encumber" means weigh down with, restrict the movement of. This is very similar in definition to "burden."

Example Question #233 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Transient is to ephemeral as perspicacious is to ______________.

Possible Answers:

adulterated 

fraudulent

shrewd

extenuating

penitent 

Correct answer:

shrewd

Explanation:

"Transient" and "ephemeral" are synonyms, both words mean fleeting, not eternal, lasting a short time. So, which of these words has the same meaning as "perspicacious?" Well, "perspicacious" means discerning, astute, able to understand and perceive things. This is the same definition as "shrewd." Additionally, "fraudulent" means inauthentic, not genuine, faked; "adulterated" means edited and made impure; "penitent" means feeling contrite and seeking forgiveness for; "extenuating" means (of circumstances) excusable

Example Question #234 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Aeronaut is to pilot as __________ is to arena.

Possible Answers:

libation 

mutineer 

innuendo 

platitude 

amphitheater

Correct answer:

amphitheater

Explanation:

An "aeronaut" is a "pilot," someone who operates planes. So, which of these words is a synonym of "arena?" The correct answer is "amphitheater." An "amphitheater" is an arena for sporting events or artistic performances. Additionally, a "mutineer" is a renegade, a rebel; a "platitude" is an unoriginal or insincere comment; "innuendo" is a remark that is generally suggestive and involves word-play; a "libation" is a religious offering, typically of a liquid.

Example Question #235 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Febrile is to feverish as __________ is to extraordinary.

Possible Answers:

insidious

maudlin

ineffable

assiduous

mundane

Correct answer:

ineffable

Explanation:

"Febrile" and "feverish" are synonyms, both words mean having a fever, being in a state of fevered excitement and nervousness. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "extraordinary" (incredible, unusual and remarkable). The correct answer is "ineffable," which means so "extraordinary" as to be impossible to describe. Additionally, "mundane" means ordinary and boring; "maudlin" means overly sentimental; "assiduous" means hard-working, showing great care and effort; "insidious" means treacherous, having a gradual, but negative, effect.

Example Question #236 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Indelible is to permanent as manifest is to __________.

Possible Answers:

supreme 

patent

irresolute 

exigent 

concealed 

Correct answer:

patent

Explanation:

"Indelible" means unable to be removed, "permanent." So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "manifest." Well, "manifest" means apparent, obvious, clear. So, the correct answer is "patent," which means obvious, easily understood as true. Additionally, "concealed" means hidden, disguised; "supreme" means best, greatest; "irresolute" means uncertain, unsure; "exigent" means urgent, pressing, demanding

Example Question #237 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Apostle is to __________ as catacomb is to crypt.

Possible Answers:

pugilist

heretic

disciple

incumbent

mendicant

Correct answer:

disciple

Explanation:

"Catacomb" and "crypt" are synonyms, both words refer to an underground place where bodies are buried. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these has the same meaning as "apostle." Well, an "apostle" is a follower of a religion, particularly one of the earliest followers of Jesus Christ. So, the correct answer is "disciple." Additionally, an "incumbent" is someone who's authority is being challenged and who already holds a position of power; a "heretic" is a nonbeliever, someone who goes against religious teaching or denies some religious truth; a "pugilist" is a fighter; a "mendicant" is a beggar.

Example Question #238 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Iconoclast is to __________ as aphorism is to maxim.

Possible Answers:

deity

mother

critic

heathen

participant

Correct answer:

critic

Explanation:

"Aphorism" and "maxim" are synonyms, both words refer to a pithy statement that relays some kind of truth or lesson. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "iconoclast." Well, an "iconoclast" is someone who verbally attacks long-held beliefs. This is similar in definition to a "critic." Additionally, a "deity" is a God; a "heathen" is a heretic, a nonbeliever.

Example Question #239 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Elephantine is to gigantic as __________ is to morbid.

Possible Answers:

tumultuous

devout

astral

natal

macabre

Correct answer:

macabre

Explanation:

"Elephantine" and "gigantic" are synonyms, both words mean excessively large, very big. So, which of these words has the same meaning as "morbid?" Well, "morbid" means demonstrating an abnormal and unsettling fascination with death. This is very similar in definition to "macabre," which means disturbing due to a close association with death. Additionally, "devout" means pious, deeply religious; "natal" means of or related to birth; "austral" means of or related to the south; "tumultuous" means chaotic, confusing and disordered.

Example Question #240 : Analogies: Determining Meaning From Type Of Relationship

Complete this analogy.

Dugout is to shelter as lichen is to __________.

Possible Answers:

temerity

quarry

moss

fortitude

stone

Correct answer:

moss

Explanation:

"Dugout" and "shelter" are synonyms, both words mean a building intended to provide protection in the event of a bombing or other such act of war. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these has the same meaning as "lichen." Well, "lichen" is a very small, plant-like thing that grows on rocks and the sides of trees. This is also called a "moss." Additionally, a "quarry" is a place where stone or marble is mined; "fortitude" is strength and resilience, the ability to keep going in spite of setbacks; "temerity" is audacity, nerve, excessive arrogance and confidence especially in violation of the rules.

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