Understand the rule first
Define the target word before inspecting the options. Match meaning, strength and tone, and reread the choice in context when a sentence is supplied.
Word meanings 11+ practice
Use precise definitions to solve synonym, antonym and contextual meaning questions.
Choose the antonym of ‘scarce’.
- Scarce means limited or hard to find.
- Its opposite means available in large amounts.
- Plentiful is the precise antonym.
A common misconception
Choosing a word that is associated with the topic but is neither a synonym nor an antonym.
Reusable method: Define the target word before looking for a pair.Question 1 of 8 Verbal ReasoningcoreWhich word is closest in meaning to ‘stern’?
- Agentle
- Bpuzzled
- Cancient
- Dstrict
Need a hint?
Think of a firm person who expects rules to be followed.
Show worked answer
Answer D: strict
Stern means strict or severe.
Quick method: Define the target word before looking for a pair.
Question 2 of 8 Verbal ReasoningcoreWhich word is the best antonym of ‘scarce’?
- Aplentiful
- Bhidden
- Ccostly
- Dtiny
Need a hint?
Look for a word meaning available in large amounts.
Show worked answer
Answer A: plentiful
Plentiful is the opposite of scarce.
Quick method: Define the target word before looking for a pair.
Question 3 of 8 Verbal ReasoningcoreWhich word is closest in meaning to ‘vivid’?
- Afaint
- Bclear and striking
- Cordinary
- Dsilent
Need a hint?
Think of a description that forms a strong mental picture.
Show worked answer
Answer B: clear and striking
Vivid means bright, clear or striking.
Quick method: Define the target word before looking for a pair.
Question 4 of 8 Verbal Reasoningexam-styleWhich word is closest in meaning to ‘conceal’?
- Adisplay
- Bmeasure
- Chide
- Drepair
Need a hint?
Think of keeping something from being seen.
Show worked answer
Answer C: hide
Conceal means hide.
Quick method: Define the target word before looking for a pair.
Question 5 of 8 Verbal Reasoningexam-styleWhich phrase best defines ‘obsolete’?
- Anewly invented
- Bdifficult to obtain
- Clikely to improve
- Dno longer used
Need a hint?
The word describes something replaced by newer methods.
Show worked answer
Answer D: no longer used
Obsolete means out of date and no longer used.
Quick method: Define the target word before looking for a pair.
Question 6 of 8 Verbal Reasoningexam-styleWhich word is closest in meaning to ‘arduous’?
- Abrief
- Bcheerful
- Cordinary
- Ddifficult
Need a hint?
Think of a task requiring great effort.
Show worked answer
Answer D: difficult
Arduous means difficult and tiring.
Quick method: Define the target word before looking for a pair.
Question 7 of 8 Verbal Reasoningexam-styleWhich word is the best antonym of ‘permanent’?
- Atemporary
- Blasting
- Cfixed
- Dreliable
Need a hint?
Look for something that does not last.
Show worked answer
Answer A: temporary
Temporary is the opposite of permanent.
Quick method: Define the target word before looking for a pair.
Question 8 of 8 Verbal Reasoningexam-styleWhich phrase best defines ‘verify’?
- Ahide a mistake
- Bcheck that something is true
- Cmake a prediction
- Dgive permission
Need a hint?
Think of confirming evidence.
Show worked answer
Answer B: check that something is true
Verify means to check or prove that something is accurate or true.
Quick method: Define the target word before looking for a pair.