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 #381 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

INTERLUDE

Possible Answers:

Intermission

Melody

Intervening

Catastrophe

Atonement

Correct answer:

Intermission

Explanation:

An "interlude" is an "intermission" or pause between two acts. This is different from an "intervention," or the act of intervening to solve a problem. A "catastrophe" is a disaster. A "melody" is a song or sequence of musical notes. "Atonement" is a synonym for "expiation" or penance.

Example Question #382 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

APOSTASY

Possible Answers:

Exuberance

Onus

Proximity

Propinquity

Renunciation

Correct answer:

Renunciation

Explanation:

"Apostasy" is either the formal renunciation of a belief or the proclamation of heretical belief, both of which usually occur in the context of religion. "Propinquity" and "proximity" are synonyms for nearness. "Onus" means burden or obligation, and "exuberance" means excitement, enthusiasm, and cheerfulness.

Example Question #383 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PREPONDERANCE

Possible Answers:

Majority

Penchant

Elegy

Threnody

Lassitude

Correct answer:

Majority

Explanation:

"Preponderance" means "majority," prevalence, or predominance. "Lassitude" is lethargy, and an "elegy" is a lament or threnody. "Penchant" is a synonym for "proclivity."

Example Question #384 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

 ABERRATION

Possible Answers:

Abnormality

Assimilation

Disapproval

Abhorrence

Allowance

Correct answer:

Abnormality

Explanation:

An "aberration" is a noun meaning a departure from what is normal or expected. "Abnormality" is a synonym meaning an unusual feature, characteristic, or occurrence. "Disapproval" is a possession or expression of an unfavorable opinion, "assimilation" means the absorbing of information and experiences, "allowance" means the amount of something that is permitted, and "abhorrence" means a feeling of repulsion.

Example Question #385 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

VITUPERATION

Possible Answers:

Abuse

Envy

Censorship

Affiliation

Hatred

Correct answer:

Abuse

Explanation:

"Vituperation" is a synonym for "invective," which means harsh verbal abuse. While "vituperation" is hateful, it is not a direct synonym for "hatred." "Censorship" is another word for expurgation, and "affiliation" is another word for association with or endorsement by. "Envy" means jealousy.

Example Question #386 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PROVENANCE

Possible Answers:

Futility

Affection

Origin

Probity

Food

Correct answer:

Origin

Explanation:

The "provenance" of an object (particularly artwork) is the same thing as its "origin." Don't confuse "provenance" with "provisions," which means food and supplies. "Probity" means moral uprightness, integrity. "Futility" means pointlessness, and "affection" means love, fondness, or friendly feelings.

Example Question #761 : Synonyms

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

MYRIAD

Possible Answers:

Roguishness

Hollowness

Chicanery

Surfeit

Multitude

Correct answer:

Multitude

Explanation:

A "myriad" of something is a "multitude" or plethora of that thing. This is an antonym for "surfeit," or scarcity. "Hollowness" describes the state of being empty inside (either figuratively or literally), and "chicanery" is another word for trickery. "Roguishness" is the quality of being a rascal or a scamp.

Example Question #762 : Synonyms

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

SERENDIPITY

Possible Answers:

Curse

Zeal

Luck

Proclivity

Wariness

Correct answer:

Luck

Explanation:

"Serendipity" is luckiness or good fortune. This is the opposite of a "curse," or bad fortune. "Zeal" is ardor, fervor, extreme enthusiasm. "Wariness" is cautiousness, hesitancy. "Proclivity' is a synonym for "penchant."

Example Question #763 : Synonyms

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

PLETHORA

Possible Answers:

Circumspection

Paucity

Abundance

Circumlocution

Clemency

Correct answer:

Abundance

Explanation:

A "plethora" is an abundance or even an excess of something. This is an antonym for "paucity," or scarcity. "Circumlocution" is roundabout speech, while "circumspection" is caution and wariness. "Clemency" is mercy or forgiveness.

Example Question #764 : Synonyms

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

NESCIENCE

Possible Answers:

Profligacy 

Creed

Newness

Ignorance

Mirth

Correct answer:

Ignorance

Explanation:

"Nescience" is a synonym for "ignorance" or unawareness. It does not mean "newness," or "novelty;" nor does it mean "mirth," or "merriment." A "creed" is a system of religious beliefs or a profession of those beliefs. "Profligacy" is another word for wastefulness, particularly of money.

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