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 #281 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

IMPETUOUS

Possible Answers:

Bestial

Pusillanimous

Maudlin

Haughty

Rash

Correct answer:

Rash

Explanation:

The adjective "impetuous" means done too quickly without proper care or consideration, rash, impulsive, reckless. Additionally, "maudlin" means overly serious and sentimental; "haughty" means proud, arrogant and brash; "bestial" means savage (like a beast); "pusillanimous" means cowardly, timid.

Example Question #282 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

AMENABLE

Possible Answers:

Drastic

Labyrinthine

Laconic

Cooperative

Iconic

Correct answer:

Cooperative

Explanation:

The adjective "amenable" is used to describe someone who is cooperative and agreeable, open to a suggestion and capable of being persuaded to do something. Additionally, "labyrinthine" means maze-like, puzzling; "laconic" means brief, not long-lasting; "iconic" means widely-recognized and well-regarded; "drastic" means extreme and desperate.

Example Question #283 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

COERCIVE

Possible Answers:

Lascivious

Sardonic

Sedulous

Prophetic

Forceful

Correct answer:

Forceful

Explanation:

"Coercive" means "forceful" or threatening. "Lascivious" is a synonym for "lecherous" or lustful, and "prophetic" is a synonym for "clairvoyant" or farsighted. "Sedulous" means hardworking, assiduous. "Sardonic" is a synonym for "sarcastic."

Example Question #284 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

XENOPHOBIC

Possible Answers:

Fearful of water

Fearful of heights

Fearful of open spaces

Fearful of foreigners

Fear of germs

Correct answer:

Fearful of foreigners

Explanation:

Someone "xenophobic" is afraid of or hateful toward foreigners. "Agoraphobia" is a fear of open spaces or a fear of crowded spaces, and "aquaphobia" is a fear of water. "Acrophobia" is a fear of heights. "Fear of germs and infection" is known as mysophobia or germophobia.

Example Question #285 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

SUCCINCT

Possible Answers:

Invective

Concise

Abrasive

Gregarious

Indefatigable

Correct answer:

Concise

Explanation:

"Succinct" means "concise," laconic, or pithy. "Abrasive" means harsh or grating. "Indefatigable" means untiring, and "invective" is verbal abuse or a tirade. "Gregarious" means outgoing or sociable.

Example Question #286 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

BELLICOSE

Possible Answers:

Warlike

Solipsistic

Vituperative

Controlling

Congenial

Correct answer:

Warlike

Explanation:

"Bellicose" means belligerent or "warlike." "Solipsistic" means egotistical or self-centered. "Congenial" means personable, hospitable, or friendly. "Vituperative" means bitter and opprobrious.

Example Question #287 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

STALWART

Possible Answers:

Loyal

Bucolic

Succinct

Ambulatory

Energetic

Correct answer:

Loyal

Explanation:

"Stalwart" means steadfast and loyal. "Succinct" is another word for pithy, concise, or laconic. "Energetic" can mean invigorated or enthusiastic. "Bucolic" means rural or rustic. "Ambulatory" means able to walk, or, more generally, mobile.

Example Question #288 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

CHARY

Possible Answers:

Deleterious

Imminent

Gullible

Obdurate

Wary

Correct answer:

Wary

Explanation:

"Chary" means cautious, wary, and even suspicious. This is a near antonym for "gullible," which means overly willing to believe or trust. "Deleterious" is another word for harmful. "Imminent" is a synonym for "impending," and "obdurate" is a synonym for "stubborn" or unyielding.

Example Question #289 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

SLAVISH

Possible Answers:

Arbitrary

Clear

Sagacious

Pertinent

Servile

Correct answer:

Servile

Explanation:

"Slavish" can literally mean in the manner of a slave, but it can more broadly mean servile, subservient, or fawning. "Pertinent" is another word for relevant. "Sagacious" means wise, and "arbitrary" means random or based on whim. Another word for "clear" is "lucid."

Example Question #290 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

CAPITOUS

Possible Answers:

Fault-finding

Fairly judging

Crestfallen

Risky

Praiseworthy

Correct answer:

Fault-finding

Explanation:

Someone who is "captious" is constantly nitpicking and finding flaws in people or things. "Praiseworthy" means commendable, and "risky" means reckless. "Crestfallen" is another word for woebegone. To judge something fairly is to be "unbiased," not "captious."

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