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 #1279 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RAPACIOUS

Possible Answers:

Greedy

Caustic

Sedulous

Spacious

Acerbic

Correct answer:

Greedy

Explanation:

"Rapacious" means "greedy" and acquisitive. Don't confuse this with "capacious," which means spacious and ample. "Acerbic" and "caustic" are synonyms. "Sedulous" is a synonym for "assiduous."

Example Question #1280 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SUGGESTIBLE

Possible Answers:

Salacious

Indecent

Impressionable

Reclusively

Crudely

Correct answer:

Impressionable

Explanation:

"Suggestible" means easily influenced, "impressionable." Don't confuse this with "suggestive," which means indecent. "Salacious," or "prurient," is a more extreme shade of suggestive. "Reclusive" means isolated, hermitic, or solitary. "Crude" means rough and primitive.

Example Question #301 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

ARCH

Possible Answers:

Ostentatious

Cryptic

Clumsy

Pithy

Teasing

Correct answer:

Teasing

Explanation:

Arch can mean coy, mischievous, teasing, or even sly. It does not mean "clumsy," or awkward. "Pithy" is a synonym of succinct, while "ostentatious" is a synonym of showy. "Cryptic" means mysterious or difficult to decipher.

Example Question #302 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

PUNCTILIOUS

Possible Answers:

Sloppy

Congenial

Fastidious

Serene

Doleful

Correct answer:

Fastidious

Explanation:

"Punctilious" means fastidious, scrupulous, or meticulous. It is an antonym of "sloppy." "Doleful" is a synonym for mournful or sorrowful. "Congenial" means personable or likable. "Serene" means placid, tranquil, or calm.

Example Question #303 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

UNCOUTH

Possible Answers:

Captious

Rude

Avaricious

Holy

Ebullient

Correct answer:

Rude

Explanation:

"Uncouth" means "rude," uncivilized, or unrefined. "Avaricious" means greedy, and "captious" means prone to nitpick or quibble over even the tiniest detail. Another word for "holy" is sacrosanct. Another word for "ebullient" is overjoyed.

Example Question #304 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

UNSAVORY

Possible Answers:

Sanguine

Luckless

Serendipitous

Untrustworthy

Insipid

Correct answer:

Untrustworthy

Explanation:

"Unsavory" can either mean not tasty or disreputable and "untrustworthy," depending on context. "Sanguine" is a synonym for "cheerful." "Insipid" means boring or uninspired. "Luckless" means unfortunate. "Serendipitous," or lucky, is an antonym of this.

Example Question #305 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

SYCOPHANTIC

Possible Answers:

Perspicacious

Percipient

Adversarial

Recalcitrant

Fawning

Correct answer:

Fawning

Explanation:

"Sycophantic" is a synonym for "fawning," servile, and obsequious. "Percipient" and "perspicacious" both mean alert, perceptive, or astute. "Recalcitrant" means stubborn or resistant. "Adversarial" is a synonym for "antagonistic."

Example Question #306 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

PRETENTIOUS

Possible Answers:

Treacherous

Threadbare

Highfalutin

Anemic

Dismayed

Correct answer:

Highfalutin

Explanation:

"Pretentious" is an adjective meaning attempting to impress by affecting greater importance. "Highfalutin" is an adjective meaning pompous in an irritating, self-important manner and is therefore the correct answer.

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