Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits - SSAT Upper Level Verbal

“Insular” is an adjective that can mean “ignorant of cultures, ideas, or peoples other than one's own,” or “lacking contact; isolated” or “relating to islands.” So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “ignorant of other cultures, ideas,” “lacking contact with other people, or “of an island.” That means that “tolerant” cannot be the correct answer, because “tolerant” means “showing willingness to allow the existence of other opinions,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “insular.” “Narrow-minded,” however, is an adjective that can mean “prejudiced,” and because “narrow-minded” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “insular,” “narrow-minded” is the correct answer.

"Eminent"means famous, respected, or illustrious.

“Disingenuous” is an adjective that means “not candid or sincere,” so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “not sincere.” That means that “genuine” cannot be the correct answer, because “genuine” means “sincere” when referring to a person, emotion, or action, making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “disingenuous.” “Duplicitous,” however, is an adjective that means “deceitful,” and because “duplicitous” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “disingenuous,” “duplicitous” is the correct answer.

“Craven” is an adjective that means “cowardly,” so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “cowardly.” That means that “plucky” cannot be the correct answer, because “plucky” means “courage in the face of difficulties,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “craven.” “Timid,” however, is an adjective that means “showing a lack of courage or confidence,” and because “timid” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “craven,” “timid” is the correct answer.

Someone who is "aloof" is distant or stand-offish in manner. It describes someone who holds herself apart from others.

"Punctilious" means paying careful attention to detail or strictly following formalities. The best answer choice is "precise."

"Dissolute" means immoral.

“Reticent” means quiet or reserved. For clarification, "prattle" is used to describe inane chatter; "amble" is a type of slow, purposeless walk; "remorse" means regret and sorrow. For further clarification, "inane" means pointless.

Someone who is “rancorous” is spiteful, unforgiving and vengeful. For clarification, "portly" means fat; spendthrift describes someone who squanders money.

“Boisterous” means noisy, energetic and often rough or wild so the correct answer is “loud and energetic.” For clarification, "reserved" means aloof or distant; "resentful" means bitter or annoyed at having been previously treated badly.

“Irascible” means quick-tempered, easily angered and touchy so the correct answer is “touchy.” Touchy generally means sensitive. For clarification, miserly means not generous; disinclined means not in favor of a certain action; malevolent means evil.

"Caustic" means severely critical, biting, or sarcastic.

“Supercilious” means condescending, or rude and arrogant. For clarification, elusive refers to something that is hard to capture or detect; profound means deep and meaningful; daft means foolish or silly.

“Avaricious” means greedy, which is a synonym for “covetous.” For clarification, composed means under control; vociferous means loud and noisy; strident means loud and disturbing.

“Voluble” means garrulous or talkative. For clarification, antiquated means old-fashioned.

“Egotistical” means arrogant or conceited. It is an antonym of selfless. For clarification, mirth means amusement; remorseful means full of regret; despondent means without hope.

“Insolent” means rude or disrespectful. For clarification, the other four answer choices are all antonyms of insolent; affable means friendly and sociable.

“Presumptuous” means rude, arrogant and audacious, it is related to the word “presume.” For clarification, withdrawn, aloof and distant are all synonyms that mean detached from other people.

“Detached” means distant, aloof, separate. For clarification, present and nearby are antonyms of detached; bemused and perplexed are synonyms that mean confused.