SSAT Upper Level Verbal : SSAT Upper Level Verbal

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #652 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

CLEMENCY

Possible Answers:

Lunacy

Supremacy

Dignity

Fallacy

Mercy

Correct answer:

Mercy

Explanation:

The noun "clemency" refers to mercy, formal forgiveness for a crime committed. Additionally, "lunacy" means insanity, lack of sanity; "supremacy" means the state of being the best; "dignity" means the state of possessing certain admirable traits that make one deserving of the respect of others; "fallacy" means a mistaken belief, a misconception.

Example Question #697 : Synonyms

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

PROGNOSIS

Possible Answers:

Catalyst

Sovereign

Obstacle

Precipice

Forecast

Correct answer:

Forecast

Explanation:

The noun "prognosis" means a future prediction about how something (particularly a disease) is going to grow and develop. This is closest in definition to "forecast." Additionally, a "catalyst" is a 'spark,' something that causes a chemical reaction to accelerate or take place; an "obstacle" is something in the way, something that prevents one from making progress; the "precipice" is the edge of something; a "sovereign" is a monarch, a ruler, or someone who reigns.

Example Question #698 : Synonyms

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

CHAGRIN

Possible Answers:

Irritation

Audacity

Fulsome

Dishonesty

Mendacity

Correct answer:

Irritation

Explanation:

The noun "chagrin" means something like anger. Specifically, it refers to the displeasure one feels at being wrong or being humiliated. This is closest in meaning to "irritated." Additionally, "mendacity" is dishonesty; "fulsome" means excessively flattering and over-appreciative; and "audacity" means boldness, nerve, or courage to try something.

Example Question #653 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

GRATIFICATION

Possible Answers:

Contingency

Candor

Indulgence

Insolvency

Contrition

Correct answer:

Indulgence

Explanation:

The noun "gratification" refers to fulfillment, "indulgence," pleasure related to satisfaction. Additionally, "contrition" means remorse, feeling genuine sorry for something done wrong; a "contingency" is a possible and considered future event, an eventuality; "insolvency" is bankruptcy, the state of having run out of money; "candor" means frankness, honesty.

Example Question #699 : Synonyms

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

ELOCUTION

Possible Answers:

Redundancy

Bigotry

Eloquence

Diction

Levity

Correct answer:

Diction

Explanation:

"Elocution" is pronunciation, articulation, or "diction." This is different from "eloquence," which is fluency and smoothness in speaking. "Bigotry" is bias or prejudice, and "redundancy" is repetition. "Levity" is lightheartedness and frivolity.

Example Question #651 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

PROPITIATION

Possible Answers:

Appeasement

Dissent

Insurrection

Mendacity

Temerity

Correct answer:

Appeasement

Explanation:

"Propitiation" is the "appeasement" of a deity or a person. "Dissent" is disagreement, and an "insurrection" is a rebellion or an uprising. "Temerity" is boldness or audacity. "Mendacity" is dishonesty, duplicity.

Example Question #652 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

ELEGY

Possible Answers:

Zenith

Iniquity

Lament

Jubilation

Excess

Correct answer:

Lament

Explanation:

An "elegy" is a lament for the dead and is often written in poem form. "Iniquity" is evil, and "jubilation" is joyous celebration. "Excess" is surplus, the opposite of "scarcity." A "zenith" is an apex, pinnacle, or high point.

Example Question #321 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

CHICANERY

Possible Answers:

Expiation

Amends

Indigence

Melancholy

Trickery

Correct answer:

Trickery

Explanation:

"Chicanery" is "trickery" and deception is a word often used to describe magicians, conmen, and the like. "Expiation" and "amends" are synonyms. "Indigence" is a synonym for "poverty" or penury. "Melancholy" is another word for "sadness."

Example Question #322 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

CONUNDRUM

Possible Answers:

Evasiveness

Paucity

Persistence

Dilemma

Largesse

Correct answer:

Dilemma

Explanation:

A "conundrum" is a problem or "dilemma." "Paucity" is a synonym for "scarcity," and "largesse" is a synonym for "generosity." "Evasiveness" is a word that means avoidance. Another word for "persistence" is perseverance or tenacity.

Example Question #1451 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

EQUANIMITY

Possible Answers:

Approbation

Lament

Abstention

Composure

Plaudits

Correct answer:

Composure

Explanation:

Someone who exhibits "equanimity" shows composure, calmness, and levelheadedness. "Plaudits" and "approbation" both mean praise, approval. A "lament" is a dirge or elegy. "Abstention" is a synonym for "temperance" or sobriety.

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