HSPT Verbal : Analogies: Roots from Greek

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Verbal

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Analogies: Roots From Greek

Selfish is to egocentric as illustrious is to __________.

Possible Answers:

surprising

aesthetic

eminent

model

talented

Correct answer:

eminent

Explanation:

The word "illustrious" comes from the Latin root meaning clear or bright.  Having a "luster" is to have a glow or a shine, and an "illustration" is something that makes its topic clear by means of a kind of example. Someone who is selfish thinks of himself or herself. This is the meaning of "ego-centric," which literally means "I-centered." We are therefore looking for a synonym of "illustrious." Generally speaking, this word means well-known—as though a bright light is visible. Such a person or thing would also be "eminent."

Example Question #2 : Analogies: Roots From Greek

Map is to topography as timeline is to __________.

Possible Answers:

record

chronology

history

historiography

registration

Correct answer:

chronology

Explanation:

The "topography" of an area pertains to the physical character of that area—its hills, valleys, rivers, and so forth. The word comes from Greek roots that generally mean "place" (topos) and "drawing" (graphia). A map records an area's topography. A timeline records the ordering of occurrences. While this could be historical in nature, it could even be a timeline of scientific facts. The best option is therefore "chronology," which indicates an ordered set of events based on when those events occurred. It comes from the Greek for "time," kronos.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors