HSPT Verbal : Antonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Antonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

An antonym of "ruffled" is __________.

Possible Answers:

vexed

unsoiled

placid

unpolluted

negative

Correct answer:

placid

Explanation:

When something is "ruffled", it is literally taken out of order or arrangement. We often speak of "ruffling" someone's hair or some other semi-arranged set of items. As an emotional state, "ruffled" means disturbed or not calm. In contrast to this, the term "placid" means calm with little disturbance or change.

Example Question #2 : Antonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

An antonym of "exasperated" is __________.

Possible Answers:

demolished

delighted

prepared

available

completed

Correct answer:

delighted

Explanation:

To exasperate someone is to make that person completely tired and irritated about something. For instance, "The arduous and tedious process of reviewing the details of the exam exasperated the young man, for he knew all of the answers already." An exasperated person is likely quite angry, so "delighted" is an excellent antonym for this word.

Example Question #3 : Antonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

An antonym of "stolid" is __________.

Possible Answers:

fluid

active

brilliant

liquid

tempestuous

Correct answer:

tempestuous

Explanation:

A stolid person is calm and dependable. Often, such people are unemotional as well. Such a personality is greatly contrasted to one that could be called "tempestuous"—which takes its name from the idea of a strong storm (a "tempest"). A tempestuous personality is very emotional, with changes and conflicts in overall emotional character.

Example Question #4 : Antonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

An antonym of "fearful" is __________.

Possible Answers:

trepidatious

valiant

tremulous

benign

temerarious

Correct answer:

valiant

Explanation:

Valor is a courage that will face almost anything. To be "valiant" is to have such courage and to lack fear. Someone who is "temerarious" might lack fear but such a person is more than likely just rash and unthinking. The words "trepidatious" and "tremulous" are generally synonymous of "fearful". The best option, therefore, is "valiant."

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