SSAT Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #247 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

RANCOROUS.

Possible Answers:

Assuming 

Portly 

Friendly

Spiteful

Spendthrift 

Correct answer:

Spiteful

Explanation:

Someone who is “rancorous” is spiteful, unforgiving and vengeful. For clarification, "portly" means fat; spendthrift describes someone who squanders money.

Example Question #248 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

IRASCIBLE.

Possible Answers:

Miserly 

Disinclined

Malevolent

Foolhardy 

Touchy

Correct answer:

Touchy

Explanation:

“Irascible” means quick-tempered, easily angered and touchy so the correct answer is “touchy.” Touchy generally means sensitive. For clarification, miserly means not generous; disinclined means not in favor of a certain action; malevolent means evil.

Example Question #251 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

AVARICIOUS.

Possible Answers:

Strident 

Vociferous

Covetous 

Composed 

Arrogant 

Correct answer:

Covetous 

Explanation:

“Avaricious” means greedy, which is a synonym for “covetous.” For clarification, composed means under control; vociferous means loud and noisy; strident means loud and disturbing.

Example Question #252 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

VOLUBLE. 

Possible Answers:

Loud 

Talkative 

Suspended 

Heavy 

Antiquated 

Correct answer:

Talkative 

Explanation:

“Voluble” means garrulous or talkative. For clarification, antiquated means old-fashioned.

Example Question #253 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

EGOTISTICAL.

Possible Answers:

Conceited 

Mirth 

Despondent

Selfless 

Remorseful 

Correct answer:

Conceited 

Explanation:

“Egotistical” means arrogant or conceited. It is an antonym of selfless. For clarification, mirth means amusement; remorseful means full of regret; despondent means without hope.

Example Question #254 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

INSOLENT. 

Possible Answers:

Warm 

Polite 

Affable 

Rude 

Kind 

Correct answer:

Rude 

Explanation:

“Insolent” means rude or disrespectful. For clarification, the other four answer choices are all antonyms of insolent; affable means friendly and sociable.

Example Question #255 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PRESUMPTUOUS.

Possible Answers:

Audacious 

Aloof 

Concerned 

Distant 

Withdrawn 

Correct answer:

Audacious 

Explanation:

“Presumptuous” means rude, arrogant and audacious, it is related to the word “presume.” For clarification, withdrawn, aloof and distant are all synonyms that mean detached from other people.

Example Question #256 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DETACHED.

Possible Answers:

Perplexed 

Aloof 

Nearby 

Present 

Bemused

Correct answer:

Aloof 

Explanation:

“Detached” means distant, aloof, separate. For clarification, present and nearby are antonyms of detached; bemused and perplexed are synonyms that mean confused.

Example Question #257 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

CAPTIOUS.

Possible Answers:

Argumentative 

Forceful

Youthful

Untimely

Deplorable

Correct answer:

Argumentative 

Explanation:

“Captious” means overly-critical and argumentative. For clarification, deplorable means terrible, deserving of scorn.

Example Question #258 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

ALTRUISTIC.

Possible Answers:

Parsimonious 

Frugal 

Miserly

Stingy 

Philanthropic 

Correct answer:

Philanthropic 

Explanation:

“Altruistic” means generous and giving, an attitude marked by a selfless concern for others. It is most similar in meaning to “philanthropic,” which describes someone who is charitable. For clarification, the other four answer choices are loosely synonymous. Miserly and parsimonious mean not generous with money, selfish; stingy means tight with money; frugal means characterized by an avoidance of waste or expenditure.

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