SSAT Upper Level Verbal : SSAT Upper Level Verbal
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SSAT Upper Level Verbal
All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #704 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PROPINQUITY
Proximity
Commendation
Guilt
Mercy
Abstention
Proximity
"Propinquity" is a synonym for "proximity" or nearness. Another word for "guilt" is complicity, and another word for "mercy" is clemency. "Abstention" means sobriety, temperance. "Commendation" is praise or acclaim.
Example Question #705 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ESPIONAGE
Spying
Munificence
Duplicity
Crime
Largesse
Spying
"Espionage" is the act of "spying," gathering secret information. While "espionage" is often a "crime," it is not necessarily synonymous with "crime." While "duplicity," or deceit, is also often involved in "espionage," the two are also not synonymous. "Largesse" is generosity or munificence.
Example Question #706 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
QUIP
Dearth
Obstinacy
Dullard
Joke
Paucity
Joke
A "quip" is a clever "joke" or witticism. A "dullard" is a dunce or ignoramus: someone who would not utter a quip. "Paucity" and "dearth" both mean scarcity. "Obstinacy" is another word for stubbornness or pigheadedness.
Example Question #707 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SQUABBLE
Profundity
Velocity
Alacrity
Disagreement
Approbation
Disagreement
A "squabble" is a "disagreement" or quarrel. "Velocity" is another word for speed, and "profundity" is another word for depth or profoundness. "Alacrity" is liveliness or vivacity. "Approbation" is a synonym for "approval" or endorsement.
Example Question #708 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CIRCUMLOCUTION
Careful navigation
Roundabout speech
Hearty laughter
Confused wandering
Geometric perimeter
Roundabout speech
"Circumlocution" is the act of speaking in a roundabout, wordy way, often for the purpose of being vague or misleading. It is a type of verbal wandering, but not a physical wandering, and it is usually intentional rather than confused. Don't mix up "circumlocution" with "circumnavigation" (sailing around the world) or "circumference" (perimeter), either. Another word for "hearty laughter" is a guffaw.
Example Question #709 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VAGARY
Whim
Ambiguity
Probity
Choler
Clarity
Whim
A "vagary" is a "whim," passing fancy, or caprice. It is not "ambiguity" or vagueness. "Choler" is an old-fashioned word for anger. "Probity" is moral integrity, and "vituperation" is bitter, harsh verbal abuse. "Clarity" is a synonym for "clearness."
Example Question #710 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MORES
Averages
Punishments
Conventions
Surfeit
Plethora
Conventions
"Mores" are social codes, "conventions," or traditions. "Punishments" are penalties, and an "average" is a mathematical mean, not a more. Another word for "plethora" is excess, surplus, or surfeit.
Example Question #1501 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ONUS
Work
Gemstone
Burden
Lexicon
Lucidity
Burden
"Onus" is a synonym for "burden," obligation, or responsibility. Don't confuse this with "opus," which is a work, or "opal," which is a gemstone. "Lucidity" is clearness. A "lexicon" is a dictionary or vocabulary list.
Example Question #1502 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ATONEMENT
Expiation
Alarm
Clemency
Solicitude
Alacrity
Expiation
"Atonement" is another word for "expiation," making amends for one's wrongdoings. "Alacrity" means liveliness or quickness. "Alarm" is awareness of and worry about danger. "Solicitude" is concern and care. "Clemency," or mercy, is one possible response to a person's attempts at atonement.
Example Question #1503 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INTERLUDE
Melody
Intervening
Catastrophe
Intermission
Atonement
Intermission
An "interlude" is an "intermission" or pause between two acts. This is different from an "intervention," or the act of intervening to solve a problem. A "catastrophe" is a disaster. A "melody" is a song or sequence of musical notes. "Atonement" is a synonym for "expiation" or penance.
Certified Tutor
All SSAT Upper Level Verbal Resources
