All HSPT Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
"Languid" most nearly means __________.
prone
annoyed
sluggish
overwhelmed
discontent
sluggish
Whenever someone is "languishing," he or she does not have energy. The adjective "languid" describes a person who is at least acting like he or she does not have much energy. Sometimes it has the connotation of being lazy, though it can merely mean that a person is being sluggish or slow in his or her actions.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
"Impassioned" most nearly means __________.
fervent
mercurial
weepy
emotional
vexed
fervent
A person who is "impassioned" can also be described by the simpler adjective "passionate." Such a person displays great energy in his or her devotion to a given topic or activity. "Fervor" is an intense emotional state. When someone is described as being "fervid," he or she is passionate.
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
"Conscientious" most nearly means __________.
neurotic
judgmental
moralistic
diligent
religious
diligent
When someone is described as being "conscientious," this means that he or she has a desire to follow his or her own conscience when executing his or her duties and obligations. Such a person desires to do things correctly and ably—as opposed to someone who merely wishes to do "well enough" without worrying about doing a good job. We would also describe such a conscientious person as being "diligent."
Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DOUR
dilapidated
ecstatic
grim
banal
impartial
grim
"Dour" is an adjective that refers to someone's manner or appearance and has a few different meanings, including gloomy and austere. While "dilapidated" sounds like it might be a good answer choice, it means in poor condition due to having been neglected over time—not quite what we're looking for. "Grim," on the other hand, can mean somber or gloomy and is the closest in meaning to "dour," so it is the best answer choice.
Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PRUDENT
judicious
deceptive
sly
critical
judgmental
judicious
The word “prudent” has perhaps received a bad sense in its standard usage by most English-speakers. One will at times speak of “prudent” people who know how to work things to their gain. For instance, someone might be called “prudent” for keeping silent about opinions instead of insulting someone who might give him or her a job; however, the word “prudent” is of much nobler origins, meaning discerning or even wise in practical action. For this reason, among the options provided, the best option is “judicious,” meaning judging well. This meaning will cover the more negative uses but likewise applies to the nobler notions of “prudence.”
Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FATUOUS
Brazen
Portly
Bright
Dull
Worrisome
Dull
The word "fatuous" is an adjective that means foolish or lacking wit. "Dull," which can mean lacking wit, shares the same definition and is therefore the best answer choice. Considering the other choices, "bright" in this context is an antonym of "fatuous" since it can mean intelligent. "Portly" means heavy or fat.
Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DILIGENT
Demonstrative
Elegant
Careful
Eloquent
Approachable
Careful
“Diligent” means careful, hard-working, and taking care to do something well, so "careful" is the best synonym amongst the answer choices. “Approachable” means friendly and thus easily approached; “demonstrative” means demonstrating something or openly showing feelings or affection; “eloquent” means well-spoken; and “elegant” means having grace, sophistication, and good taste.
Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CONTEMPTUOUS
Remorseful
Scornful
Docile
Impregnable
Surreptitious
Scornful
“Contemptuous” means showing scorn and hatred for something, so "scornful" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “remorseful” means full of guilt and sadness over something one did wrong; “docile” means calm and compliant; “impregnable” means unable to be captured or broken; and “surreptitious” means secret and sneaky.
Example Question #468 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
GREGARIOUS
Supplementary
Sociable
Domineering
Implacable
Complementary
Sociable
“Gregarious” means friendly and sociable, so "sociable" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “implacable” means unappeasable, unable to be placated, or not forgiving; “domineering” means controlling; “complementary” means something that works well with something else; and “supplementary” means additional.
Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
STOIC
Fortuitous
Frivolous
Critical
Responsive
Unemotional
Unemotional
Someone who is “stoic” is unemotional and unresponsive when faced with painful or difficult situations, so "unemotional" is the best answer. As for the other answer choices, “responsive” means reacting or done in response; “critical,” when referring to the significance of something, means highly important, though it can also mean pointing out the faults in something; “fortuitous” means owed to good-fortune or lucky; and “frivolous” means purposeless and not serious.