HSPT Verbal : Antonyms: Verbs About Emotional Changes

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for HSPT Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Antonyms: Verbs About Emotional Changes

An antonym of "absorb" is __________.

Possible Answers:

scorch

amuse

rarefy

weary

evaporate

Correct answer:

weary

Explanation:

A number of the options—"scorch," "rarefy," and "evaporate"—all are trying to make you read "absorb" in the sense of absorbing a liquid (like a sponge); however, the verb "absorb" can also mean to engross or deeply interest. In contrast to such an interesting thing, something that "wearies" someone makes his or her interest wane and disappear. This latter option is by far the best among those provided.

Example Question #2 : Antonyms: Verbs About Emotional Changes

An antonym of "provoke" is __________.

Possible Answers:

assuage

inquire

obscure

resolve

laud

Correct answer:

assuage

Explanation:

A "provocation" is an action that incites or brings about a strong reaction from someone. Most often, this involves making someone angry. Thus, to "provoke" someone means just that—to bring about such an angry reaction. In contrast to this, to "allay" means to soften or diminish the intensity of someone's emotional state. We often say that something "allays" someone's fears. That is, it reduces them or "puts them to rest."

Example Question #23 : Antonyms: Verbs

An antonym of "mollify" is __________.

Possible Answers:

extol

intrigue

vex

censure

discern

Correct answer:

vex

Explanation:

The word "mollify" comes from the Latin meaning soft. Something is "mollified" when it is lessened in intensity—when it is "softened." Generally, this applies to the reducing of anxiety or annoyance. It is quite the opposite to become "vexed"—for this means to become annoyed.

Example Question #24 : Antonyms: Verbs

An antonym of "intrigue" __________.

Possible Answers:

overpower

enrage

appease

stupefy

instruct

Correct answer:

stupefy

Explanation:

When something is intriguing, it is interesting—likely exciting emotions of interest and engagement. Thus, "to intrigue" someone is to make such interest come to birth. In contrast to this, "to stupefy" is to render someone senseless. Now, this can be in the sense of shocking someone—which could be somewhat (though not entirely) synonymous to our word. However, it also has the general sense of making someone unable to think. Since there are no other candidate antonyms among the options provided, this is the best choice for this question.

Example Question #25 : Antonyms: Verbs

An antonym of "harrow" __________.

Possible Answers:

annoy

bless

gratify

acclaim

console

Correct answer:

console

Explanation:

A harrowing experience is one that is very distressing and difficult. To "harrow" someone is to cause such distress. In contrast to this, consoling is the act of calming and reducing distress/worry.

Example Question #3 : Antonyms: Verbs About Emotional Changes

An antonym of "pacify" is __________.

Possible Answers:

wean

incense

meander

abjure

encourage

Correct answer:

incense

Explanation:

The word "pacify" comes from the Latin "pax" or "pacis," meaning peace. To pacify someone means to make that person calm or at peace. In contrast to this, to incense someone is to make him or her angry. This latter word is related to the word "incendiary," which describes something that creates conflict. Both words come from Latin roots meaning "to set fire to"—as though you were setting fire to the emotions of another person.

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