Synonyms: Determining Part of Speech

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SSAT Middle Level Verbal › Synonyms: Determining Part of Speech

Questions 1 - 6
1

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

COACH

Carriage

Master

Exercise

Uniform

Gym

Explanation

"Coach" can be a noun meaning an athletic instructor, or a verb meaning to instruct one in a sport. A "coach" can also be a noun meaning "carriage," (generally horse-draw) which is the correct answer.

2

Synonyms: Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

DEFECT

To change allegiance

To find fault

To flee

To fight against something

To lose your hearing

Explanation

If you change your side or allegiance, the side you ally yourself with, then you “defect.” A “defect” is a fault so be careful. If you “flee,” you run away or retreat, so it is not quite right.

3

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

QUIBBLE

Complain

Laud

Acknowledge

Defy

Panic

Explanation

"Quibble," when used as a verb, means to complain about petty negative aspects of something, and when used as a noun, means a relatively unimportant complaint. So, "complain" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "quibble." For clarification, "panic" means to suddenly feel afraid or stressed in an uncontrolled way, "laud" means praise, "acknowledge" means recognize, and "defy" means resist.

4

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

WAFT

Drift

Fall

Plunge

Jump

Throw

Explanation

The correct answer is "drift."

"Waft"is a verb (or noun) that means to pass (or cause to pass) easily/gently through the air or as if through the air.

This makes "drift"(carried slowly by a current of air or water) making it the correct synonym.

5

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

UNIFORM

Livery

Occupation

Children

School

Performance

Explanation

When used as a noun, "uniform" means a specific, standardized outfit worn by members of a certain group. "Livery" is a noun meaning a particular kind of uniform worn by servants, and because "livery" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "uniform," "livery" is the correct answer.

6

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

CHAMPION

Promote

Loss

Victory

Abandon

Disparage

Explanation

"Champion" is often used as a noun that means victor or winner. However, "champion" can also mean promote, as in the sentence, “She championed the cause of animal rights.” So, "promote" is the correct answer. For clarification, "abandon" means discard, and "disparage" means mock.

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