HSPT Language Skills › Synonyms: Nouns for People
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
CHARLATAN
Fraud
Gossip
Scholar
Politician
Confidante
A "charlatan" is one who pretends to be what they are not. Therefore, "fraud" is the best answer choice.
"Indigent" most nearly means __________.
vagrant
perturbed
independent
servant
creator
"Indigent" can be used as either a noun or an adjective. As a noun, it means a needy person. As an adjective, it means poor or needy. A "vagrant" is usually a homeless person. "Perturbed" means to be irritated. A "servant" is not usually needy, since being a servant is their job.
"Cleric" most nearly means __________.
chaplain
secretary
scribe
attorney
doctor
The word "cleric" is derived from the Latin word "clericus" which means clergyman. A "clergyman" is someone trained by a particular church to perform ceremonies and other rites. A chaplain is a type of a clergyman, or cleric. Although "secretaries," "scribes," and "attorneys" are types of professions that also require a great deal of writing and literacy skills, they do not have the religious component.
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
COLLEAGUE
Coworker
Acquaintance
Student
Contemporary
Friend
"Coworker" is the best choice, because a colleague is a person with whom one works. While it is possible that one might work with a "friend" or "acquaintance," neither word necessarily implies a person with whom one would work. A person's "contemporary" would just be someone living and working at the same time as that person. "Student" also doesn't work, because, while a teacher may work with a student, their relationship is not based on their being "coworkers."
Synonyms: choose the answer closest in meaning to the word in question.
VIRTUOSO
Maestro
Deluge
Flux
Achievement
Immaculate
"Virtuoso" is a maestro or a person very skilled at something (usually music). "Deluge" is a great flood. "Flux" means a state of instability and constant change. An "achievement" is a goal or task is performed successfully. "Immaculate" means extremely clean.
Synonyms: choose the answer closest in meaning to the word in question.
FANATIC
Zealot
Fatigue
Fidelity
Hibernation
Dilemma
"Fanatic" is a zealot or a person who is very passionate about something. "Fatigue" means extreme tiredness or exhaustion. "Fidelity" means faithfulness or loyalty to a person or cause. "Hibernation" is when an animal goes into a temporary rest usually during a season. "Dilemma" is a situation in which a person has to choose between two unfavorable paths.
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
COURIER
Messenger
Exaggeration
Liberty
Caricature
Stalemate
A "courier" is a "messenger," or a person who delivers messages, packages, or letters. "Exaggeration" is a statement that is more extreme than reality. "Liberty" means independence or freedom from some limit or restriction. "Caricature," when used as a noun, means a cartoon that exaggerates some of the features of the object or person. "Stalemate" is a standstill or a deadlock.
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HERMIT
Recluse
Socialite
Synopsis
Contamination
Lethargy
"Hermit" is a recluse or a person who lives alone. "Socialite" is the antonym; it means a person who is well-known and popular and enjoys social events. "Synopsis" is a summary or overview. "Contamination" means the pollution or adulteration of something. "Lethargy" means exhaustion or sluggishness.
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
NOVICE
Beginner
Noblity
Knack
Shadow
Religion
A "novice" is someone who is just beginning something, as is the correct answer, "beginner." None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "novice": "nobility" is the upper class in feudal society or someone from the noble or upper class in feudal society; a "knack" is a natural talent, a "shadow" is a shape formed by blocked light, and a "religion" is an organized system of beliefs that may or may not involve the worship of one or more gods and goddesses.