SSAT Middle Level Verbal : Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SSAT Middle Level Verbal
All SSAT Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions
Complete this analogy.
Petals are to rose as teeth are to __________.
dentistry
toothbrush
zipper
jacket
movie
zipper
A rose typically has or consists of many petals, so we need to pick out an answer choice that describes a noun which typically has or consists of many teeth. “Dentistry” and “toothbrush” might each look like potentially correct answers because “teeth” can mean the bony, enamel-covered units in contained in the mouth and used for chewing. However, neither “dentistry” nor “toothbrush” are things that consist of many teeth, so neither can be the correct answer; however, “teeth” can also mean individual parts that project on a comb, gear, or saw. Considering it as falling under this definition, “zipper” makes sense as an answer, because the individual bits of a zipper that interlock are called "teeth." So, just as a rose consists of petals, a zipper consists of teeth, so “zipper” is the correct answer.
Example Question #2 : Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions
Complete this analogy.
Arrest is to begin as virtue is to __________.
merit
vice
prosperity
sacrifice
disbelief
vice
The word "arrest" most commonly means catch a criminal and charge him or her with a crime; however, in this instance, you have to know the secondary meaning of "arrest," which is stop something. “Arrest” can mean stop whilst “begin” means start, so you need to pick out an answer choice that is an opposite of “virtue.” “Virtue” is a morally good character trait whereas “vice” is a morally bad character trait. To help, “disbelief” is mental rejection of something as untrue; “prosperity” is the state of being successful; “sacrifice” is the act of giving up something you want to keep; and “merit” is excellence or worth.
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All SSAT Middle Level Verbal Resources
