SSAT Upper Level Verbal : SSAT Upper Level Verbal

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SSAT Upper Level Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #1511 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

APOSTASY

Possible Answers:

Propinquity

Onus

Renunciation

Proximity

Exuberance

Correct answer:

Renunciation

Explanation:

"Apostasy" is either the formal renunciation of a belief or the proclamation of heretical belief, both of which usually occur in the context of religion. "Propinquity" and "proximity" are synonyms for nearness. "Onus" means burden or obligation, and "exuberance" means excitement, enthusiasm, and cheerfulness.

Example Question #1512 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

PREPONDERANCE

Possible Answers:

Threnody

Majority

Lassitude

Penchant

Elegy

Correct answer:

Majority

Explanation:

"Preponderance" means "majority," prevalence, or predominance. "Lassitude" is lethargy, and an "elegy" is a lament or threnody. "Penchant" is a synonym for "proclivity."

Example Question #1513 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

 ABERRATION

Possible Answers:

Allowance

Disapproval

Abnormality

Abhorrence

Assimilation

Correct answer:

Abnormality

Explanation:

An "aberration" is a noun meaning a departure from what is normal or expected. "Abnormality" is a synonym meaning an unusual feature, characteristic, or occurrence. "Disapproval" is a possession or expression of an unfavorable opinion, "assimilation" means the absorbing of information and experiences, "allowance" means the amount of something that is permitted, and "abhorrence" means a feeling of repulsion.

Example Question #1514 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

VITUPERATION

Possible Answers:

Abuse

Affiliation

Envy

Hatred

Censorship

Correct answer:

Abuse

Explanation:

"Vituperation" is a synonym for "invective," which means harsh verbal abuse. While "vituperation" is hateful, it is not a direct synonym for "hatred." "Censorship" is another word for expurgation, and "affiliation" is another word for association with or endorsement by. "Envy" means jealousy.

Example Question #1515 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

PROVENANCE

Possible Answers:

Futility

Origin

Affection

Probity

Food

Correct answer:

Origin

Explanation:

The "provenance" of an object (particularly artwork) is the same thing as its "origin." Don't confuse "provenance" with "provisions," which means food and supplies. "Probity" means moral uprightness, integrity. "Futility" means pointlessness, and "affection" means love, fondness, or friendly feelings.

Example Question #1516 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

MYRIAD

Possible Answers:

Roguishness

Chicanery

Multitude

Hollowness

Surfeit

Correct answer:

Multitude

Explanation:

A "myriad" of something is a "multitude" or plethora of that thing. This is an antonym for "surfeit," or scarcity. "Hollowness" describes the state of being empty inside (either figuratively or literally), and "chicanery" is another word for trickery. "Roguishness" is the quality of being a rascal or a scamp.

Example Question #1517 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

SERENDIPITY

Possible Answers:

Curse

Proclivity

Zeal

Luck

Wariness

Correct answer:

Luck

Explanation:

"Serendipity" is luckiness or good fortune. This is the opposite of a "curse," or bad fortune. "Zeal" is ardor, fervor, extreme enthusiasm. "Wariness" is cautiousness, hesitancy. "Proclivity' is a synonym for "penchant."

Example Question #1518 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

PLETHORA

Possible Answers:

Clemency

Circumspection

Paucity

Circumlocution

Abundance

Correct answer:

Abundance

Explanation:

A "plethora" is an abundance or even an excess of something. This is an antonym for "paucity," or scarcity. "Circumlocution" is roundabout speech, while "circumspection" is caution and wariness. "Clemency" is mercy or forgiveness.

Example Question #1519 : Ssat Upper Level Verbal

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

NESCIENCE

Possible Answers:

Creed

Ignorance

Profligacy 

Mirth

Newness

Correct answer:

Ignorance

Explanation:

"Nescience" is a synonym for "ignorance" or unawareness. It does not mean "newness," or "novelty;" nor does it mean "mirth," or "merriment." A "creed" is a system of religious beliefs or a profession of those beliefs. "Profligacy" is another word for wastefulness, particularly of money.

Example Question #763 : Synonyms

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

RATIOCINATION

Possible Answers:

Propinquity

Intuition

Logic

Contretemps

Deadness

Correct answer:

Logic

Explanation:

"Ratiocination" is another word for logical deduction or reasoning. This is an antonym for "intuition," or instinctive knowledge. "Deadness," obviously, is the quality of being dead. "Propinquity" is a synonym for proximity or nearness. A "contretemps" is a quarrel or dispute.

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