All HSPT Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
"Inelastic" most nearly means __________.
rubbery
rigid
wooden
metallic
resilient
rigid
In its physical sense, the word "elastic" means bendable or flexible. Hence, we use it to describe things like "elastic bands" that are used for gathering together items. When something is "inelastic" it is not flexible in that way. The "in-" prefix is a privative prefix, meaning that it means not. (This is much like the prefix "un-.") Therefore, something that is "inelastic" could be said to be rigid.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
"Chimerical" most nearly means __________.
lucid
illusory
inorganic
amazing
laconic
illusory
A "chimera" is a kind of mythological creature, but generally the word has come to signify something that cannot possibly occur or exist in reality. Therefore, when something is described as being "chimerical," it is an illusion—something "illusory."
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
"Scintillating" most nearly means __________.
languid
beautiful
luminous
fecund
engrossing
luminous
The word "scintillating" comes from the Latin word for "spark" (as in a spark of fire or light). Something that is scintillating has the kind of spark or glow of such a fire. Therefore, it means bright. Something that is "luminous" is very bright or enlightened.
Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
MACABRE
Gruesome
Understated
Panicked
Methodical
Protective
Gruesome
“Macabre” means gruesome, horrifying, or pertaining to death, so "gruesome" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to “macabre”. “Understated” means modest or simple. “Protective” means defensive or shielding. “Panicked” means frightened. “Methodical” means systematic.
Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
OPULENT
Sumptuous
Opaque
Putrid
Complex
Benevolent
Sumptuous
"Opulent" is an adjective that means lavish, and since "sumptuous" means expensive-looking, it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "opulent," so it is the correct answer.
Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
IMPERVIOUS
Insignificant
Unaffected
Independent
Flawless
Stained
Unaffected
"Impervious" means not letting things pass through, or unaffected by something. One might write, "While everyone else got sick, Michael seemed impervious to germs."
Example Question #56 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SINEWY
Stringy
Brief
Upright
Ecstatic
Vulgar
Stringy
"Sinewy" means tough, stringy, or strong.
Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
GARISH
Severe
Proper
Delightful
Lurid
Frightening
Lurid
"Garish" means too bright and showy, and the correct answer "lurid" means having a color so bright that it is unpleasant. The other choices do not have similar definitions: "delightful" means fun and joyful, "proper" means appropriate, "severe" means harsh, and "frightening" means scary.
Example Question #8 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
"Cogent" most nearly means __________.
compelling
cultured
active
amazing
precarious
compelling
The word "cogent" is generally used to describe an argument that someone might be making. It means logical or convincing. An example sentence would be, "After he presented the facts, his argument seemed to be quite cogent. Therefore, I agreed with his decision and followed his instructions." Such an argument is also "compelling," meaning something like irresistible—as though the argument is so strong that it cannot be "overcome."
Example Question #9 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
"Abstract" most nearly means __________.
intelligent
intuitive
theoretical
distinct
pedantic
theoretical
The word "abstract" literally means to pull away from. (Surprisingly, it comes from the same root as the word "tractor.") An abstract idea "pulls away" information from our immediate experience into more general categories of thought. It is therefore somewhat theoretical or conceptual in nature. The "abstract" notion of "human person" is very general and theoretical in comparison with a concrete person who stands directly in front of us.
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