SSAT Practice Test (Upper Level: Verbal)
Derelict means:
Correct answer: Abandoned
Derelict means to be left or deserted; abandoned.
OBSCURE synonym or closest definition:
Correct answer: unclear
The word “obscure” means “unclear” and “difficult to understand.”
DETER means:
Correct answer: hinder
To DETER is to discourage a person or group from doing something. Fear of retaliation may deter our enemies from attacking.
TIGHTFISTED means:
Correct answer: Thrifty
”Tightfisted" is an adjective that has to do with money and specifically means avoiding spending money or miserly. Of the possible answer choices, three have to do with money: "thrifty," "prodigal," and "impecunious." Since ”prodigal" means reckless’ extravagant and "impecunious" means poor or lacking money, "thrifty," which means frugal, is the best choice.
Culpable means:
Correct answer: Blameworthy
Culpable means deserving blame or blameworthy.
EVENHANDED closest meaning:
Correct answer: Unbiased
While "unfair" and "unbiased" may look like similar answer choices, they are actually antonyms. Since ”evenhanded” means impartial when judging, "unbiased" is its closest synonym amongst the answer choices, as it means fair—specifically, showing no preferences or inclinations towards or against something. So, the correct answer is "unbiased."
HOSTILE means:
Correct answer: unfriendly
HOSTILE means antagonistic or unfriendly. It is the nature of cats to be hostile to dogs.
REMISS synonym or closest definition:
Correct answer: negligent
The word “remiss” means “negligent or forgetful.”
Gregarious means:
Correct answer: Sociable
Gregarious means sociable, outgoing and friendly.
DIAPHANOUS closest meaning
Correct answer: Gauzy
”Diaphanous" is an adjective that often is used to describe fabrics, and means delicate and not completely opaque. So, the answer choices closest in meaning to "diaphanous" are ”gauzy" and "frangible." While "frangible" means easy/breakable, "gauzy" means thin and not completely opaque. Since ”gauzy" is the closest synonym of "diaphanous" amongst the possible answer choices, it is the correct answer.
UTILIZE means:
Correct answer: make use of
To UTILIZE is to make practical use of. You can utilize the microwave for quick defrosting.
GRIEVOUS synonym or closest definition:
Correct answer: serious
Serious most closely means the same thing as grievous.
The hotel suite was *opulent*.
Correct answer: Luxurious
Opulent means luxurious or wealthy.
CUPIDITY closest meaning:
Correct answer: Avarice
While "cupidity" may sound like it is related to ”Cupid,” a classical god of love, "cupidity" is actually a noun meaning greed for material wealth. So, while "love" or "lust" might look like the best potential answer based on how "cupidity“ sounds, ”avarice" [extreme greed} is actually its closest synonym and the correct answer.
ABDICATE means:
Correct answer: resign
To ABDICATE is to give up formally or to resign. King Edward abdicated from the English throne to marry a divorced woman.
EXHILARATION synonym or closest definition:
Correct answer: elation
Elation most closely means the same thing as exhilaration.
She was in a *pensive* mood after watching the film.
Correct answer: Thoughtful
Pensive means thoughtful or dreamily.
BLATANT closest meaning:
Correct answer: Patent
”Blatant" is an adjective meaning done in a shameless manner when referring to bad behavior, and overt and obvious in other instances. So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like obvious. Since “patent“ can mean obvious when used as an adjective, ”patent" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "blatant" and the correct answer.
PROMINENT means:
Correct answer: outstanding
PROMINENT means sticking out, noticeable, or outstanding. Comedian Jimmy Durante had a prominent nose.
SIEGE synonym or closest definition:
Correct answer: blockade
Blockade most closely means the same thing as siege.
The principal wanted to *rebuke* the students.
Correct answer: Reprimand
Rebuke means to reprimand or express sharp disapproval.
PLACID closest meaning:
Correct answer: Tranquil
”Placid" is an adjective that means not easily perturbed or excited when referring to a sentient living thing; it can also mean peaceful and calm, and is often used this way to describe bodies of water. While it might seem like a good potential synonym for "placid," "dull" actually means boring or not sharp, so it doesn't mean the same thing that "placid” does. “Tranquil," however, means calm, and because it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "placid," it is the correct answer.
BOUNDARY mean:
Correct answer: limit
A BOUNDARY is a border. Mexico shares a boundary with the state of Texas.
COURTEOUS synonym or closest definition:
Correct answer: polite
Polite most closely means the same things as courteous.
It was a *succinct* email.
Correct answer: Concise
Succinct means concise, terse or expressed in few words.