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 #351 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Endow is to bestow as meliorate is to __________.

Possible Answers:

assail

enhance

succumb

reduce

protect

Correct answer:

enhance

Explanation:

"Endow" and "bestow" are synonyms, both words mean to grant a sum of money, to confer a title, to give to. So, to solve this analogy you need to determine which of these words has the same meaning as "meliorate." Well, "meliorate" means ameliorate, to soothe or make better. This is fairly close in definition to "enhance," so this is the correct answer. Additionally, "assail" means attack; "succumb" means be unable to resist, 'give in to.'

Example Question #352 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Abscond is to __________ as claim is to arrogate.

Possible Answers:

capture

convene

return

escape

grouse

Correct answer:

escape

Explanation:

"Arrogate" means to "claim" something without authority or justification. It is therefore loosely a synonym of "claim," so which of these words has a similar meaning to "abscond?" Well, "abscond" means to leave in a quick and secretive fashion usually with someone else, to flee, to "escape." Additionally, "convene" means meet up, come together; "grouse" means complain about something minor.

Example Question #353 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Indefatigable is to unflagging as __________ is to disingenuous.

Possible Answers:

mendacious

debauched

juvenile

truculent

sincere

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 #354 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Encumber is to __________ as contort is to twist.

Possible Answers:

betray

assume

burden

express

acknowledge

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 #355 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Transient is to ephemeral as perspicacious is to ______________.

Possible Answers:

extenuating

penitent 

shrewd

fraudulent

adulterated 

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 #356 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Aeronaut is to pilot as __________ is to arena.

Possible Answers:

innuendo 

platitude 

libation 

mutineer 

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 #357 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

Complete this analogy.

Febrile is to feverish as __________ is to extraordinary.

Possible Answers:

assiduous

maudlin

mundane

ineffable

insidious

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 #141 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Indelible is to permanent as manifest is to __________.

Possible Answers:

concealed 

irresolute 

supreme 

exigent 

patent

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 #142 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Apostle is to __________ as catacomb is to crypt.

Possible Answers:

pugilist

mendicant

heretic

incumbent

disciple

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 #143 : Synonyms, Antonyms, And Changes In Intensity

Complete this analogy.

Iconoclast is to __________ as aphorism is to maxim.

Possible Answers:

participant

deity

heathen

critic

mother

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.

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