SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #91 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

CALLOUS

Possible Answers:

Considerable

Heartless

Annoyed

Compassionate

Elegant

Correct answer:

Heartless

Explanation:

While both "heartless" and "annoyed" may seem like potential synonyms for "callous," "callous" is an adjective meaning "showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others," so "heartless" is the best answer, because its meaning is closer to "callous" than that of "annoyed" is.

Example Question #92 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

PRUDENT

Possible Answers:

Fleeting

Diligent

Obtuse

Careful

Slack

Correct answer:

Careful

Explanation:

"Prudent" means careful or cautious.

Example Question #93 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

INSOLENT

Possible Answers:

Disgusting

Crude

Lonely

Ugly

Rude

Correct answer:

Rude

Explanation:

"Insolent" means exhibiting disrespectful behavior or speech. "Rude" means showing a lack of politeness. Given that politeness is a sign of respect, "insolent" and "rude" are very close in meaning. They are therefore synonyms.

Example Question #94 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

SUPERCILIOUS

Possible Answers:

Serious

Agitated

Suspicious

Doubtful

Scornful 

Correct answer:

Scornful 

Explanation:

"Supercilious" means looking down on others, or haughty. To be "scornful" means seeing others as being of less value than oneself. These two words are very similar in meaning and therefore synonyms. The other answer choices are unrelated.

Example Question #95 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

PRODIGAL

Possible Answers:

Disciplined

Imprudent

Unruly

Foreseen

Coincidental 

Correct answer:

Imprudent

Explanation:

"Prodigal" means spending money in a carefree and reckless way. Thus, "imprudent" (which means not prudent or not careful or wise with one's resources) is the best synonym. (e.g. "The prodigal daughter bought whatever her heart desired, knowing that her relatives would continue to fund her spending habits.")

Example Question #96 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

VILLIANOUS

Possible Answers:

Submissive

Portly

Benevolent

Wicked

Toxic

Correct answer:

Wicked

Explanation:

"Villianous" means evil or "wicked." The suffix "-ous" means similar to or like, so you can infer that "villainous" means like a villain. "Benevolent" means kind and generous. "Submissive" means obedient or willing to listen and follow the orders of other people. "Toxic" means contaminated and poisonous. "Portly" means stout or overweight.

Example Question #93 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

CONTEMPTIBLE

Possible Answers:

Polite

Euphoric

Filthy

Hateful

Noteworthy

Correct answer:

Hateful

Explanation:

"Contemptible" means "hateful" or despicable. "Filthy" means dirty or disgusting. "Polite" means well-mannered and well-behaved. "Euphoric" means extremely happy and joyful. "Noteworthy" means important and signficant.

Example Question #98 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

DOGGED

Possible Answers:

Stubborn

Illiterate

Pious

Skeptical

Enthusiastic

Correct answer:

Stubborn

Explanation:

"Dogged" means "stubborn" and unyielding in one's opinion. "Enthusiastic" means lively and excited about something. "Illiterate" means unable to read or write. "Pious" means very religious. "Skeptical" means doubtful or not easily convinced that something is true.

Example Question #99 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

DISCURSIVE

Possible Answers:

Modest

Rambling

Exhaustive

Harmful

Patterned

Correct answer:

Rambling

Explanation:

“Discursive” means rambling or lacking order, so "rambling" is the correct answer.  None of the other answers are close in meaning to “discursive”. “Harmful” means damaging. “Exhaustive” means thorough. “Patterned” means decorated with a recurring design. “Modest” means unpretentious or humble.  

Example Question #100 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

PROFICIENT

Possible Answers:

Inauspicious

Capable

Wealthy

Scrutinized

Vague

Correct answer:

Capable

Explanation:

"Proficient" means having the ability to do something. The correct answer "capable" also means skilled or being able to do something. The other choices do not have similar definitions: "inauspicious" means unlucky or unfavorable; "vague" means unclear; "wealthy" means having lots of money; and "scrutinized" means closely watched.

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