All HSPT Verbal Resources
Example Questions
例子问题# 21:Antonyms: Verbs
An antonym of "absorb" is__________.
weary
amuse
scorch
evaporate
rarefy
weary
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 meanto 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 #22 :Antonyms: Verbs
An antonym of "provoke" is__________.
inquire
obscure
laud
assuage
resolve
assuage
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__________.
censure
discern
extol
vex
intrigue
vex
The word "mollify" comes from the Latin meaningsoft. 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"__________.
instruct
stupefy
appease
overpower
enrage
stupefy
当某样东西是有趣的,它是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)synonymousto 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"__________.
bless
annoy
console
gratify
acclaim
console
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 #26 :Antonyms: Verbs
An antonym of "pacify" is__________.
meander
wean
abjure
incense
encourage
incense
The word "pacify" comes from the Latin "pax" or "pacis," meaningpeace.安抚某人意味着让人冷静啊r 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.