SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Nouns for Abstract Concepts

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #331 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

EQUANIMITY

Possible Answers:

Plaudits

Composure

Lament

Approbation

Abstention

Correct answer:

Composure

Explanation:

Someone who exhibits "equanimity" shows composure, calmness, and levelheadedness. "Plaudits" and "approbation" both mean praise, approval. A "lament" is a dirge or elegy. "Abstention" is a synonym for "temperance" or sobriety.

Example Question #332 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PARAGON

Possible Answers:

Opprobrium

Expurgation

Epitome

Opulence

Penury

Correct answer:

Epitome

Explanation:

The "paragon" of something is its "epitome," exemplar, or perfect example. "Opprobrium" is disgrace or condemnation, depending on the situation. "Expurgation" is a form of censorship, and "penury" is a synonym for "poverty." This is an antonym of "opulence," which means wealth and luxury.

Example Question #333 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

CRUX

Possible Answers:

Heart

Vagrancy

Aplomb

Periphery

Probity

Correct answer:

Heart

Explanation:

The "crux" of a situation is the "heart," core, or kernel of the situation. This is a near antonym for "periphery," which means the outskirts or outer edge of something. "Vagrancy" is the noun form of vagrant, or vagabond. "Aplomb" means poise and self-assurance. "Probity" is a synonym for "integrity."

Example Question #334 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

FUTILITY

Possible Answers:

Lassitude

Poise

Pointlessness

Chicanery

Expiation

Correct answer:

Pointlessness

Explanation:

Something "futile" is pointless or useless, a wasted effort. "Chicanery" is another word for "trickery." Another word for "poise" is "aplomb" or self-assurance. "Lassitude" means lethargy, sluggishness, apathy. To "expiate" something is to make amends for it.

Example Question #335 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PROPRIETY

Possible Answers:

Largesse

Turpitude

Decorum

Probity

Mendacity

Correct answer:

Decorum

Explanation:

"Propriety" and "decorum" are synonyms. "Probity" and "integrity" are synonyms, as are "turpitude" and "depravity." "Largess" is generosity, benevolence. "Mendacity" is another word for "duplicity" or "dishonesty."

Example Question #336 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PLATITUDE

Possible Answers:

Acumen

Ambivalence

Truism

Supremacy

Hegemony

Correct answer:

Truism

Explanation:

A "platitude" is a truism, an empty or meaningless statement. "Acumen" is shrewdness or sharpness. Another word for "ambivalence" is equivocation. "Hegemony" and "supremacy" are synonyms.

Example Question #337 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

QUANDARY

Possible Answers:

Magnanimity

Duplicity

Maelstrom

Conundrum

Brevity

Correct answer:

Conundrum

Explanation:

A "quandary" is a dilemma or a "conundrum." "Magnanimity" is another word for "generosity." "Brevity" and "briefness" are synonyms, as are "duplicity" and "dishonesty." A "maelstrom" is a tempest or strong storm.

Example Question #338 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PENCHANT

Possible Answers:

Penury

Effrontery

Magnanimity

Impudence

Proclivity

Correct answer:

Proclivity

Explanation:

A "penchant" is a "proclivity" or liking for a particular thing. "Magnanimity" is generosity, and "penury" is poverty. "Impudence" and "effrontery" are synonyms.

Example Question #339 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

OBSTINACY

Possible Answers:

Stubbornness

Lassitude

Turpitude

Temerity

Elegy

Correct answer:

Stubbornness

Explanation:

To be "obstinate" is to be stubborn and recalcitrant. An "elegy" is a lament or mournful poem. "Turpitude" is another word for moral depravity. "Lassitude" is sluggishness or lethargy. "Temerity" is boldness or audacity.

Example Question #340 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PIETY

Possible Answers:

Truculence

Elocution

Equanimity

Harbinger

Devoutness

Correct answer:

Devoutness

Explanation:

To be "pious" is to be devout and worshipful. "Elocution" is articulation and diction. "Equanimity" is calmness and composure. "Harbinger" is a synonym for "omen," and "truculence" is a synonym for "defiance."

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