Verbal Reasoning: Meaning Set 4
Verbal Reasoning: Meaning Set 4 is a focused practice set on closest-in-meaning, opposite-in-meaning and word-association double-meaning questions using more advanced vocabulary than the introductory topics, including near-synonym pairs that require choosing the most precise match rather than a loosely related word. These vocabulary-based question types test both word knowledge and the discipline of comparing a defined meaning against every option rather than picking the first plausible-looking word.
Before you start
Make sure you're comfortable with these topics first:
Method
- Read the given word and think of your own definition before looking at the answer options, so the wording of the options does not mislead you.
- For closest-in-meaning questions, rule out any option that only describes a cause or effect of the word rather than meaning the same thing.
- For opposite-in-meaning questions, find the precise opposite of the word's core meaning, not simply any negative-sounding word.
- For word-association double-meaning questions, list both common meanings of the given word in your head before checking which single option matches either meaning.
- Where two options both seem close, choose the one that matches the word's meaning in the widest range of everyday contexts, not just one narrow usage.
- Watch for a trap option that is the given word's opposite included among the choices when the question asks for a synonym, or vice versa.
Worked example
Which word is closest in meaning to FRUGAL? A) Generous B) Thrifty C) Wasteful D) Wealthy E) Careless
- Define FRUGAL in your own words: careful with money, avoiding unnecessary spending.
- Check each option against this meaning: Generous means giving freely, which is close to the opposite; Wasteful means spending carelessly, which is the opposite; Wealthy means having a lot of money, a different idea entirely; Careless is unrelated to money management specifically.
- Thrifty means careful and economical with money and resources, matching FRUGAL's core meaning exactly.
- Final answer: B) Thrifty.
Practice questions
Type your answer and press Check to be marked straight away, or reveal the answer and mark yourself.
Q1Which word is closest in meaning to CANDID? A) Secretive B) Honest C) Confused D) Angry E) QuietShow answer
Answer: B) Honest - candid means truthful and straightforward
Q2Which word is most nearly opposite to RELUCTANT? A) Hesitant B) Willing C) Nervous D) Slow E) ConfidentShow answer
Answer: B) Willing - reluctant means unwilling, so its precise opposite is willing
Q3Which word is most nearly opposite to GENEROUS? A) Kind B) Selfish C) Wealthy D) Cheerful E) HonestShow answer
Answer: B) Selfish
Q4Which word can mean both 'a group of musicians' and 'a strip of material used to hold something together'? A) Choir B) Band C) Orchestra D) Belt E) TeamShow answer
Answer: B) Band - a band is a group of musicians, and a band is also a strip of material such as a rubber band or headband
Q5Which word can mean both 'to fasten firmly' and 'a small piece of metal used to join pieces of wood'? A) Hit B) Nail C) Hook D) Punch E) PinShow answer
Answer: B) Nail - to nail something is to fasten it firmly, and a nail is the metal fastener itself
Q6Which word is closest in meaning to METICULOUS? A) Careless B) Thorough C) Quick D) Confident E) GenerousShow answer
Answer: B) Thorough - meticulous means extremely careful and precise about details
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a 11+ exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
AUDACIOUS is closest in meaning to which of these, and which word in the same list is its opposite? A) Timid B) Bold C) Quiet D) Careful E) Loyal.
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GENUINE can mean both 'real, not a copy' and 'sincere and honestly meant'. Write one sentence using GENUINE in the first sense, one sentence using GENUINE in the second sense, and then give one word that is nearly opposite to GENUINE in its 'real, not a copy' sense.
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Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the verbal reasoning: meaning set 4 worksheet pack - 12 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. One email opens every download in this browser for 14 days - no account, no card. Print it for personal and classroom use.
This topic is chapter 21 of 11+ Verbal Reasoning Workbook 3, the whole course as one free printable PDF.
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