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 #411 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PUGNACITY

Possible Answers:

Piety

Abnegation

Truculence

Alacrity

Plasticity

Correct answer:

Truculence

Explanation:

"Pugnacity" is "truculence," aggression, willingness to fight. "Abnegation" can mean self-denial and abstemiousness or renunciation of beliefs, depending on the context. "Alacrity" is a synonym for "eagerness," and "plasticity" is a synonym for "malleability." "Piety" is the quality of being devout in one's religious practices.

Example Question #412 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

EPOCH

Possible Answers:

Reticence

Propinquity

Heroic poem

Era

Equanimity

Correct answer:

Era

Explanation:

An "epoch" is an "era," a long and discrete period of time. Although "epoch" and "epic" are pronounced similarly, the latter describes a long, eventful poem or similar work of literature. "Propinquity" means proximity, and "equanimity" means coolness, composure. "Reticence" is shyness.

Example Question #413 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

ANTIPATHY

Possible Answers:

Hatred

Lassitude

Plethora

Hospitality

Turpitude

Correct answer:

Hatred

Explanation:

"Antipathy" is a synonym for "hatred," loathing, and hostility. "Hospitality" is friendliness or neighborliness and is therefore an antonym for "antipathy." "Lassitude" means lethargy, and "turpitude" means moral corruption. A "plethora" of something is an abundance or surfeit.

Example Question #414 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PROTOCOL

Possible Answers:

Vessel

Etiquette

Heist

Complacency

Governance

Correct answer:

Etiquette

Explanation:

"Protocol" is a noun meaning a procedure or set of rules. Similarly, "etiquette" is a noun meaning the customary code of behavior among a group of people, and therefore an appropriate synonym for "protocol."

Example Question #415 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

AUSTERITY

Possible Answers:

Ignorance

Severity

Nescience

Provenance

Nascence

Correct answer:

Severity

Explanation:

"Austerity" means harshness, stringency, and "severity." The "provenance" of an object (e.g. a work of art) is its officially documented origins, and "nascence" is the state of coming into being or having just begun. "Nescience" and "ignorance" are synonyms.

Example Question #416 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

QUIBBLE

Possible Answers:

Melancholy

Elaborate plan

Hoax

Criticism

Plumed pen

Correct answer:

Criticism

Explanation:

A "quibble" is a minor fight, objection, or "criticism." A "quill" is a plumed pen. An "elaborate plan" could be a scheme, and a "hoax" is a prank or a trick. "Melancholy" is the state of sadness or wistfulness.

Example Question #417 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

HEX

Possible Answers:

Disparity

Curse

Iniquity

Brevity

Hullabaloo

Correct answer:

Curse

Explanation:

"Hexes" are curses (of the evil spell variety, not the swear word kind). Don't confuse this with "iniquity," which denotes the more general concept of evil. A "hullabaloo" is a ruckus, and a "disparity" is a discrepancy. "Brevity" is a synonym for "briefness."

Example Question #418 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

SEMBLANCE

Possible Answers:

Currency

Euphoria

Paucity

Antipathy

Appearance

Correct answer:

Appearance

Explanation:

To have the "semblance" of something is to have the surface appearance (but usually not the true essence) of that thing. "Currency" can mean prevalence or legal tender, depending on the context. "Antipathy" is a synonym for "strong hatred," while "paucity" is a synonym for "scarcity." "Euphoria" is the state of ecstasy.

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