All HSPT Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
"Aberration" most nearly means __________.
imitation
deviance
freezing
consideration
fleeting
deviance
An "aberration" is something that occurs outside the normal range. You might say, "Since he normally hit home runs, Dan's strikeout was an aberration." "Deviation" has a similar meaning of something that happens outside of the normal course of events. "Fleeting" is an adjective meaning happening for a short brief time, and as such cannot be synonymous. "Freezing" is an adjective used to describe a temperature below zero degrees celsius or the feeling of being very cold. An "imitation" is a copy.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
NUANCE
Ensconce
Differentiate
Enhance
Obfuscate
Subtlety
Subtlety
"Nuance" is a noun which means fine shade of meaning. Your acting teacher might tell you to pay attention to the nuances of an actor's performance. This means that you are paying attention to the subtle differences in vocal tone, emotion or facial expressions that the actor uses to enhance understanding of his performance. "Subtlety" is a noun which means being delicate or precise. This is a similar meaning to "nuance."
"Differentiate" is a verb meaning to recognize differences between things. You may use your skills of differentiation to determine the fine nuances in the actor's performance, but it is the act of making the determination, not the fine shades of meaning themselves.
"Enhance" is a verb which means to make better.
"Ensconce" is a verb which means to settle in a secret place.
"Obfuscate" is a verb which means to make unclear; to confuse or bewilder.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ENIGMA
Reliable
Noxious
Disoriented
Puzzle
Mysterious
Puzzle
An "enigma" is a noun meaning mystery or puzzle. "Puzzle" is also a noun, while "mysterious" is an adjective meaning difficult to understand. "Puzzle" is a better choice than "mysterious" because "puzzle" and "enigma" are both nouns.
"Noxious" is an adjective meaning poisonous; harmful.
"Disoriented" is also an adjective. It means not oriented; confused. You might become disoriented in the forest and walk in the opposite direction of your campsite.
"Reliable" is an adjective meaning trustworthy.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Verbs
Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.
LAUD
conform
challenge
praise
provoke
correct
praise
"Laud" means to praise highly.
Example Question #21 : Synonyms: Verbs
Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.
PROPOUND
offer
condemn
proceed
choose
conciliate
offer
"Propound" means to put forward or offer for consideration.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Verbs
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
CHORTLE
Preserve
Pen
Laugh
Understand
Deflate
Laugh
"Chortle" means to chuckle gleefully, so "laugh" is the correct answer because it is the closest synonym amongst the given answer choices.
Example Question #882 : Hspt Verbal Skills
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
DENOTE
Prescribe
Criticize
Uncover
Expound
Indicate
Indicate
"Denote" means to be a sign of, or to indicate.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Verbs
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
CAJOLE
Injure
Persuade
Conciliate
Celebrate
Rejuvinate
Persuade
"Cajole" means to persuade using coaxing and flattery.
Example Question #883 : Hspt Verbal Skills
Synonyms: choose the answer closest in meaning to the word in question.
ACCENTUATE
Highlight
Amass
Confront
Undermine
Frustrate
Highlight
"Accentuate" means to highlight or emphasize. "Undermine" means to weaken. "Confront" means to come face-to-face with, or to challenge. "Amass" means to accumulate or gather. "Frustrate" to foil or block a plan or some action.
Example Question #881 : Hspt Verbal Skills
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
OSTRACIZE
Birdlike
Burn
Include
Craft
Exclude
Exclude
"Ostracize" means exclude or banish someone from something, so "exclude" is the correct answer. Considering the other answer choices, "include" cannot be the correct answer becuase "include" means accept or welcome into a group, making it an antonym of "ostracize" and "exclude." "Birdlike" means avian, "burn" means set on fire or injure with fire, and "craft," when used as a verb, means make or construct.
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