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 #702 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

PROPINQUITY

Possible Answers:

Mercy

Proximity

Abstention

Commendation

Guilt

Correct answer:

Proximity

Explanation:

"Propinquity" is a synonym for "proximity" or nearness. Another word for "guilt" is complicity, and another word for "mercy" is clemency. "Abstention" means sobriety, temperance. "Commendation" is praise or acclaim.

Example Question #703 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

ESPIONAGE

Possible Answers:

Duplicity

Crime

Munificence

Spying

Largesse

Correct answer:

Spying

Explanation:

"Espionage" is the act of "spying," gathering secret information. While "espionage" is often a "crime," it is not necessarily synonymous with "crime." While "duplicity," or deceit, is also often involved in "espionage," the two are also not synonymous. "Largesse" is generosity or munificence.

Example Question #704 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

QUIP

Possible Answers:

Dullard

Joke

Obstinacy

Paucity

Dearth

Correct answer:

Joke

Explanation:

A "quip" is a clever "joke" or witticism. A "dullard" is a dunce or ignoramus: someone who would not utter a quip. "Paucity" and "dearth" both mean scarcity. "Obstinacy" is another word for stubbornness or pigheadedness.

Example Question #705 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

SQUABBLE

Possible Answers:

Alacrity

Profundity

Disagreement

Velocity

Approbation

Correct answer:

Disagreement

Explanation:

A "squabble" is a "disagreement" or quarrel. "Velocity" is another word for speed, and "profundity" is another word for depth or profoundness. "Alacrity" is liveliness or vivacity. "Approbation" is a synonym for "approval" or endorsement.

Example Question #706 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

CIRCUMLOCUTION

Possible Answers:

Hearty laughter

Geometric perimeter

Careful navigation

Roundabout speech

Confused wandering

Correct answer:

Roundabout speech

Explanation:

"Circumlocution" is the act of speaking in a roundabout, wordy way, often for the purpose of being vague or misleading. It is a type of verbal wandering, but not a physical wandering, and it is usually intentional rather than confused. Don't mix up "circumlocution" with "circumnavigation" (sailing around the world) or "circumference" (perimeter), either. Another word for "hearty laughter" is a guffaw.

Example Question #707 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

VAGARY

Possible Answers:

Whim

Clarity

Probity

Choler

Ambiguity

Correct answer:

Whim

Explanation:

A "vagary" is a "whim," passing fancy, or caprice. It is not "ambiguity" or vagueness. "Choler" is an old-fashioned word for anger. "Probity" is moral integrity, and "vituperation" is bitter, harsh verbal abuse. "Clarity" is a synonym for "clearness."

Example Question #708 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

MORES

Possible Answers:

Plethora

Averages

Punishments

Conventions

Surfeit

Correct answer:

Conventions

Explanation:

"Mores" are social codes, "conventions," or traditions. "Punishments" are penalties, and an "average" is a mathematical mean, not a more. Another word for "plethora" is excess, surplus, or surfeit.

Example Question #711 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

ONUS

Possible Answers:

Lexicon

Lucidity

Work

Burden

Gemstone

Correct answer:

Burden

Explanation:

"Onus" is a synonym for "burden," obligation, or responsibility. Don't confuse this with "opus," which is a work, or "opal," which is a gemstone. "Lucidity" is clearness. A "lexicon" is a dictionary or vocabulary list.

Example Question #712 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

ATONEMENT

Possible Answers:

Solicitude

Alacrity

Alarm

Expiation

Clemency

Correct answer:

Expiation

Explanation:

"Atonement" is another word for "expiation," making amends for one's wrongdoings. "Alacrity" means liveliness or quickness. "Alarm" is awareness of and worry about danger. "Solicitude" is concern and care. "Clemency," or mercy, is one possible response to a person's attempts at atonement.

Example Question #713 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

INTERLUDE

Possible Answers:

Intermission

Intervening

Catastrophe

Atonement

Melody

Correct answer:

Intermission

Explanation:

An "interlude" is an "intermission" or pause between two acts. This is different from an "intervention," or the act of intervening to solve a problem. A "catastrophe" is a disaster. A "melody" is a song or sequence of musical notes. "Atonement" is a synonym for "expiation" or penance.

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