ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ISEE Lower Level Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #441 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

DELECTABLE

Possible Answers:

Disgusting

Unpalatable

Putrid

Delicious

Correct answer:

Delicious

Explanation:

"Delectable" and "delicious" are synonyms, each meaning pleasant-tasting. "Unpalatable," "disgusting," and "putrid" are antonyms, or opposites, of "delectable" and "delicious."

Example Question #881 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VIVID

Possible Answers:

Approximate

Colorful

Intermediate

Amateur

Mediocre

Correct answer:

Colorful

Explanation:

Something that is "vivid" is very colorful or noticeable. To further help you, "intermediate" means middle level, medium; "mediocre" means average or not very good; "approximate" means guess.

Example Question #35 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

HOARSE

Possible Answers:

Raspy

Smooth

Mountainous

Artistic

Correct answer:

Raspy

Explanation:

Don't get this word confused with "horse," the animal! "Hoarse" means raspy or rough-sounding, especially when describing someone's voice. You've probably had a hoarse voice after getting a sore throat. "Smooth" means even or free of bumps; "artistic" means talented at art or creative activities, and "mountainous" refers to areas of land and means containing mountains.

Example Question #36 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

FRIGID

Possible Answers:

Different

Straight

Cold

Snow

Solid

Correct answer:

Cold

Explanation:

"Frigid" means very chilly or cold. Therefore, the best synonym for "frigid" is "cold." While "snow" is cold, it is a noun, and does not mean the same thing as "frigid." "Different," "straight," and "solid" are each unrelated to the word "frigid." Therefore, "cold" is the best answer.

Example Question #882 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RANCID

Possible Answers:

Obnoxious

Edible

Aged

Rotten

Correct answer:

Rotten

Explanation:

The word "rancid" originally comes from the Latin for "stinking." This is still reflected in the strict sense of the word, for "rancid" generally is used to describe food that has taken on a bad odor or taste because it is old. While this might mean that the food is merely stale, generally speaking, a bad taste only happens because of rotting or something of the like. Therefore, among the options provided, the best answer is "rotten," which most likely describes food that is rancid. Do not be tricked by the word "obnoxious." In a sense, something that is rancid is obnoxious, in that an obnoxious thing is unpleasant (as is something rancid). Still, "obnoxious" is very general in its meaning, whereas rancid applies to something food-related. Therefore, "rotten" is a better answer.

Example Question #891 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RAUCOUS

Possible Answers:

melancholy

noisy

sharp

silent

melodic

Correct answer:

noisy

Explanation:

While all four of these answer choices are adjectives, only one shares its meaning with "raucous," which is often used to describe loud, discordant, overly rowdy situations or groups of people. Here, "noisy" is our best answer. "Silent" and "melodic," both of which also relate to sound, are near antonyms. Something that is "silent" makes no noise at all, while a "melodic" sound would be musical and pleasant, not harsh or unpleasantly loud. "Melancholy" describes a deeply sad or depressed mood and can therefore be eliminated, and "sharp" describes pointed ends or well-honed edges that can prick or split things.

Example Question #892 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FEVERISH

Possible Answers:

Energetic

Fraudulent

Hot

Uninterested

Kinetic

Correct answer:

Hot

Explanation:

A “fever” is a type of sickness or illness in which one feels very hot, tired, and physically weak. If one is "feverish," one is "hot."

Example Question #893 : Identifying Synonyms

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

UNKEMPT

Possible Answers:

Smelly

Unattractive

Messy

Lost

Rare

Correct answer:

Messy

Explanation:

Something that is "unkempt" is disorderly and disorganized in appearance. The word from the answer choices that most closely means this is "messy," which is therefore the correct answer.

Example Question #894 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SHROUDED

Possible Answers:

Dark

Unhappy

Strict

Sugary

Covered

Correct answer:

Covered

Explanation:

"Shrouded" means cloaked or veiled. Thus, something that is "shrouded" is "covered," making "covered" the best synonym. While something that is "shrouded" may be "dark," those words are not the same in meaning. Therefore, "dark" is a tempting wrong answer choice. 

Example Question #37 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

PRISTINE

Possible Answers:

Confusing

Self-assured

Marred

Dirty

Spotless

Correct answer:

Spotless

Explanation:

Have you ever been in a friend's house that seems almost too clean? Or walked by a lawn that was perfectly manicured? In situations like these, you could use the adjective "pristine," which means perfectly clean or untouched. The best choice for a synonym is clearly "spotless," which could also describe an impeccably clean environment. Both "dirty" and "marred" are antonyms, and "self-assured" simply describes a confident or assertive person.

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