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 #114 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

SWINDLER

Possible Answers:

Farmhand

Trickster

Libertine

Philanderer

Philanthropist

Correct answer:

Trickster

Explanation:

A "swindler" is a "trickster" or a cheater. "Libertine" and "philanderer" are synonyms. A "philanthropist" is a generous person who gives often to charity. A "farmhand" is a worker who does chores on a farm.

Example Question #115 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

FLIBBERTIGIBBET

Possible Answers:

Weary traveler

Benevolent fairy

Fool

Annoying nag

Flighty person

Correct answer:

Flighty person

Explanation:

A "flibbertigibbet" is someone flighty, capricious, or frivolous. A "benevolent fairy" would be like the godmother in Cinderella. A "nag" is someone who pesters someone to do things. Another word for "traveler" is vagabond, and the antonym of "fool" is "sage."

Example Question #116 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

DEMIURGE

Possible Answers:

Zealot

Gourmand

God

Universe

Brigand

Correct answer:

God

Explanation:

A "demiurge" is a "god" or an all-powerful being, particularly one responsible for creating a world or universe. This is not to be confused with the "universe" itself, the object of a demiurge's creation. A "zealot" is a fanatic, and a "brigand" is a member of a criminal gang, often a robber or a ravager. A "gourmand" is a glutton.

Example Question #117 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

DRAGOON

Possible Answers:

Stalemate

Mythical creature

Soldier

Coin

Monster

Correct answer:

Soldier

Explanation:

A "dragoon" is a "soldier," particularly a cavalryman. Don't confuse this with a "dragon," a mythical creature or monster. Furthermore, don't confuse this with a "doubloon," a gold coin. A "stalemate" is the condition of being stalled or stuck.

Example Question #118 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

PREDECESSOR

Possible Answers:

Expert

Forerunner

Oracle

Artisan

Neophyte

Correct answer:

Forerunner

Explanation:

A "predecessor" is someone who comes before you: a "forerunner." An "expert" is the opposite of an amateur, and a "neophyte" is a beginner. An "oracle" is a prophet or soothsayer. An "artisan" is a craftsman or craftswoman.

Example Question #161 : Synonyms

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

SOOTHSAYER

Possible Answers:

Curmudgeon

Reverend

Augur

Mountebank

Mendicant

Correct answer:

Augur

Explanation:

"Soothsayer," "augur," and "herald" are all synonyms for someone who predicts the future. While this ability was historically connected with religions, an augur is not a reverend. A "mountebank" is a fraud or a cheater, and a "mendicant" is a beggar. A "curmudgeon" is a cranky person, a grump.

Example Question #162 : Synonyms

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

HOODLUM

Possible Answers:

Maverick

Nonconformist

Donor

Truant

Hooligan

Correct answer:

Hooligan

Explanation:

"Hoodlum" is a synonym for "hooligan," thug, or vandal. A "truant" is a runaway. "Maverick" and "nonconformist" are synonyms for iconoclast. A "donor" is someone who donates money, a benefactor.

Example Question #121 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

CUR

Possible Answers:

Loathsome person

Unsophisticated rustic

Seasoned traveler

Uncultured youth

Amanuensis

Correct answer:

Loathsome person

Explanation:

A "cur" is a loathsome or contemptible person (usually used to describe a man). A "vagabond" may be a seasoned traveler, and an "uncultured youth" may be a boor or a philistine. A "bumpkin" is a rustic, unsophisticated person. "Amanuensis" is another word for assistant, particularly to someone in the arts.

Example Question #122 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

AUGUR

Possible Answers:

Tourist

Emissary

Interloper

Ambassador

Fortuneteller

Correct answer:

Fortuneteller

Explanation:

An "augur" is a "fortuneteller," someone who interprets omens to predict the future. "Emissary" is a synonym for "ambassador," and "interloper"means intruder, trespasser, or simply a person who encroaches where he/she is not wanted. A "tourist" is someone who travels to a foreign location for enjoyment.

Example Question #123 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

HARRIDAN

Possible Answers:

Shrew

Clergyman

Aficionado

Pedant

Pedagogue

Correct answer:

Shrew

Explanation:

"Harridan" and "shrew" are synonyms for a bad-tempered or belligerent woman: a nag. An "aficionado" is an expert fan of something, a connoisseur. A "pedagogue" is a teacher, while a "pedant" is someone who is a stickler for unimportant details. A "clergyman" is a religious official.

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