Synonyms: Adjectives

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ISEE Lower Level Verbal Reasoning › Synonyms: Adjectives

Questions 1 - 10
1

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.

2

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

AFFILIATED

Partnered

Separated

Protagonist

Narrator

Antagonist

Explanation

"Affiliated" means connected to or partnered with. To further help, you, the "protagonist" is the hero of the story; the "antagonist" is the villain of the story; "narrator" means storyteller.

3

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

FIRM

Solid

Lively

Joyful

Angry

Ignorant

Explanation

The word "firm" is an adjective used to describe something that is physically solid. For example, a firm pillow is one that is somewhat hard—as opposed to a very soft pillow. Sometimes, too, this word is used to describe someone's actions. For example, to say, "He was firm about his wish to have at least eight hours of sleep," means that the person did not give up his desire for the sleep (even if others protested).

4

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

INSANE

Crazy

Sick

Disappointing

Imprisoned

Hospitalized

Explanation

The word "insane" is used to describe someone or something that is crazy. For instance, a person who has lost his or her mind would be called "insane". Such a person requires a lot of care to keep himself or herself safe. An "insane idea" is a crazy one. For example, if someone told you that they were going to try to use a pig as a parachute when jumping out of a plane, you could say that the person had an "insane idea."

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

DILIGENT

Attentive

Negligent

Heedless

Apathetic

Explanation

"Diligent" means putting one's whole effort into carefully doing something. "Attentive," meaning demonstrating careful thought or observation, is the best match.

7

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.

8

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

NOVEL

Innovative

Celebrated

Literary

Puzzling

Explanation

In this question, the word "novel" is being used as an adjective, meaning new or inventive. The only word with a similar meaning is "innovative_,"_ which means original or new. "Celebrated" means renowned, while "literary"means having to do with literature or reading, and was meant to throw you off if you had only seen the stem word as a noun (meaning a book-length work of fiction) rather than as an adjective. "Puzzling" means confusing or perplexing .

9

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

FREQUENT

Often

Jealous

Usually

Burrow

Modest

Explanation

"Frequent" means happening again and again with little time in between events. Anorther word for "frequent" is often, so "often" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, "jealous" means envious or wanting what someone else has, "usually" means under normal circumstances, a "burrow" is a hole in the ground that certain animals dig and live in, and to "burrow" means to dig a hole in the ground, and "modest" means not taking as much credit as one should for one's achievements or talent.

10

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

JOVIAL

Festive

Morose

Melancholy

Solemn

Explanation

If you are unsure what the word in capital letters means, look at the answer choices. You can eliminate any answer choices that are synonyms of one other, because there isn't more than one right answer. "Morose" and "melancholy" both mean sad, so you can eliminate them. "Solemn" can mean serious. "Festive" is the correct answer because it is closest in meaning to "jovial"; both words mean good-humored or merry.

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