Synonyms: Adjectives

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ISEE Lower Level Verbal Reasoning › Synonyms: Adjectives

Questions 1 - 10
1

Synonyms: Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.

PASSIONATE

Emotional

False

Engaged

Appetizing

Explanation

"Passionate" is defined as showing or caused by strong feelings or strong beliefs. The best answer choice is "emotional," since those who are "emotional" display intense feelings and are often described as being "passionate."

2

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

EXCELLENT

Superb

Perfect

Flawless

Surprising

Original

Explanation

It is important not to "overdo" the meaning of your word. When we say that something is "excellent," we mean to say that it is very good. This does not, however, mean that it is perfect. Therefore, you should not choose "perfect" or "flawless." Something that is "superb" is something excellent. You should know this word from the clearly related word "super." They are quite similar in meaning.

3

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

DANDY

Terrific

Useful

Tasteful

Normal

Explanation

One of the meanings of "dandy" is excellent. The best choice is "terrific" because it is a synonym of "excellent."

4

Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

MISPLACED

Lost

Limpid

Morose

Searched

Supreme

Explanation

The prefix "mis-" means done wrong or badly, so something that has been “misplaced” has been placed incorrectly. This is closest in meaning to “lost.” To provide further help, “limpid” means clear; “morose” means very sad and serious; “supreme” means best or highest; “searched” means looked for.

5

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

AUTHORITATIVE

Commanding

Light

Power

Rule

Explanation

The word "authoritative" means trustworthy or self-assured and commanding . So, the best answer choice is "commanding."" "Power" is not the best choice because it is a noun that refers to the strength of something. Since "authoritative" is an adjective, the answer must also be an adjective.

6

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

DOMINANT

In charge

Under control

Lost at sea

Under pressure

Feeling sick

Explanation

"Dominant" means in control, in charge, on top.

7

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

ENLIGHTENING

Informative

Scholarly

Lunar

Polar

Grammatical

Explanation

The word "enlightening" comes from the word light, but it is used in a metaphorical sense. It means making something understandable. Think of when we say, "That was an enlightening explanation."It is like the explanation "shines" and makes its topic obvious. The best option for this is "informative," for informative things or actions help to explain something else.

8

Synonyms: Select the word whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

AUTHENTIC

Genuine

Fraudulent

Flagrant

Striated

Explanation

If an object is "authentic," it actually is what it is supposed to be as opposed to fake. For example, if a dinosaur bone found at a dig site is found to be authentic, then it truly is a dinosaur bone and not a hoax. "Fraudulent" is clearly wrong, since it is synonymous with "fake" and therefore an antonym. "Striated" means striped and "flagrant" means conspicuous or bold, especially when referring to an offense; these words are also improper choices. Our final answer, the correct one, is "genuine," which means real or authentic.

9

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

DUBIOUS

Doubtful

Double

Wrong

Hasty

Explanation

The word "dubious" means doubtful or untrustworthy. The best choice is "doubtful" because it is part of the definition of "dubious_._"Considering the other choices, "double" means two of something, "wrong" means not correct, and "hasty" means quick.

10

Synonyms: Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.

CONFUSED

Puzzled

Inconsistent

Contrite

Enabled

Explanation

"Confused" is defined as unable to think clearly; bewildered. Since "puzzled" is defined as to feel confused due to a lack of understanding, "puzzled" is the best answer choice.

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