ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #141 : Identifying Synonyms

A synonym of "competence" is __________.

Possible Answers:

intent

competitor

deference

capability

business

Correct answer:

capability

Explanation:

"Competence" is a noun that means "the ability to do something successfully or efficiently," so we need to pick out a noun that means something like "the ability to do something successfully." While "competitor" and "competence" may each start with the syllable "com-", "competitor" is a noun that means either "an organization or country that is engaged in commercial or economic competition with others" or "a person who takes part in an athletic contest." So, "competitor" does not mean the same thing as "competence," so "competitor" cannot be the correct answer. "Capability," however, is a noun that means "power or ability," and because "capability" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "competence," "capability" is the correct answer.

Example Question #314 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

A synonym of "conviction" is __________.

Possible Answers:

faith

bias

power

construe

convex

Correct answer:

faith

Explanation:

Conviction is often used to mean a strong belief, and is a noun; therefore "faith," a noun also referring to holding a firm belief in something, is the correct answer.

Example Question #142 : Identifying Synonyms

A synonym of "apathy" is __________.

Possible Answers:

arrival

mission

concern

welcome

indifference

Correct answer:

indifference

Explanation:

"Apathy" is a noun that means "lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern," so we need to pick out a noun that means something like "lack of interest." "Concern," then, cannot be the correct answer, because "concern" means "anxiety; worry," or "a matter of interest or importance to someone," making it an antonym, not a synonym, of "apathy." (Plus, "apathy" specifically means "lack of . . . concern," so it cannot mean the same thing as "concern.") "Indifference," however, is a noun that means "lack of interest, concern, or sympathy" or "unimportance," and because "indifference" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "apathy," "indifference is the correct answer.

Example Question #316 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

Synonyms: choose the answer closest in meaning to the word in question.

Opportunity

Possible Answers:

Relationship

Chance

Canal

Community

Attitude

Correct answer:

Chance

Explanation:

"Opportunity" means chance.

Example Question #16 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

PHILANTHROPY

Possible Answers:

Love

Charity

Island

Human

Correct answer:

Charity

Explanation:

Another word for "philanthropy" is "charity." Both words mean generosity in donating things or money to people who need them. "Charity" is the best choice because it is a synonym of "philanthropy."

Example Question #143 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MISERY

Possible Answers:

Pleasure

Calmness

Joy

Distress

Correct answer:

Distress

Explanation:

The correct answer is "distress," which means anguish or suffering. "Misery" is a negative feeling, and "calmness," "joy," and "pleasure" are all emotions with positive connotations.

Example Question #147 : Identifying Synonyms

Select the synonym.

Remorse

Possible Answers:

Common

Logical

Disdain

Repetitive

Regret

Correct answer:

Regret

Explanation:

When someone has remorse, they have regret for a wrongdoing. 

Example Question #148 : Identifying Synonyms

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

STRATEGY

Possible Answers:

Disorganize

Plan

Wing

Ignore

Correct answer:

Plan

Explanation:

The correct answer is "plan." A "strategy" is a plan of action. The other words do not mean anything like "plan."

Example Question #101 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

REMORSE

Possible Answers:

Recall

Plenty

Say again

Guilt

Correct answer:

Guilt

Explanation:

The word "remorse" means guilt. "Guilt" is the best choice because it is a part of the definition of "remorse." 

Example Question #21 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

DURATION

Possible Answers:

Mathematical equation 

Data

Length of time

Culture

Unit of weight 

Correct answer:

Length of time

Explanation:

A "duration" is a length of time. For example, one might say, "The internet connections were shaky for the duration of the thunderstorm."

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