All HSPT Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
"Inelastic" most nearly means __________.
rubbery
resilient
rigid
metallic
wooden
rigid
In its physical sense, the word "elastic" means bendable or flexible. Hence, we use it to describe things like "elastic bands" that are used for gathering together items. When something is "inelastic" it is not flexible in that way. The "in-" prefix is a privative prefix, meaning that it means not. (This is much like the prefix "un-.") Therefore, something that is "inelastic" could be said to be rigid.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
"Chimerical" most nearly means __________.
illusory
inorganic
laconic
lucid
amazing
illusory
A "chimera" is a kind of mythological creature, but generally the word has come to signify something that cannot possibly occur or exist in reality. Therefore, when something is described as being "chimerical," it is an illusion—something "illusory."
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
"Scintillating" most nearly means __________.
fecund
beautiful
luminous
engrossing
languid
luminous
The word "scintillating" comes from the Latin word for "spark" (as in a spark of fire or light). Something that is scintillating has the kind of spark or glow of such a fire. Therefore, it means bright. Something that is "luminous" is very bright or enlightened.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
MACABRE
Gruesome
Methodical
Panicked
Understated
Protective
Gruesome
“Macabre” means gruesome, horrifying, or pertaining to death, so "gruesome" is the correct answer. None of the other answers are close in meaning to “macabre”. “Understated” means modest or simple. “Protective” means defensive or shielding. “Panicked” means frightened. “Methodical” means systematic.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
OPULENT
Benevolent
Putrid
Opaque
Complex
Sumptuous
Sumptuous
"Opulent" is an adjective that means lavish, and since "sumptuous" means expensive-looking, it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "opulent," so it is the correct answer.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
IMPERVIOUS
Insignificant
Independent
Unaffected
Flawless
Stained
Unaffected
"Impervious" means not letting things pass through, or unaffected by something. One might write, "While everyone else got sick, Michael seemed impervious to germs."
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SINEWY
Vulgar
Ecstatic
Upright
Brief
Stringy
Stringy
"Sinewy" means tough, stringy, or strong.
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
GARISH
Proper
Severe
Lurid
Frightening
Delightful
Lurid
"Garish" means too bright and showy, and the correct answer "lurid" means having a color so bright that it is unpleasant. The other choices do not have similar definitions: "delightful" means fun and joyful, "proper" means appropriate, "severe" means harsh, and "frightening" means scary.
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