ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #201 : Synonyms

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

CANTANKEROUS

Possible Answers:

Gassy

Round

Grouchy

Tired

Full

Correct answer:

Grouchy

Explanation:

The word "cantankerous" means hard to deal with or ill-tempered. The best choice is "grouchy," which shares the same definition.

Example Question #202 : Synonyms

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

SUSPICIOUS

Possible Answers:

Unsatisfied

Unsure

Reliable

Precise

Definite

Correct answer:

Unsure

Explanation:

"Suspicious" means to be "unsure" or uncertain that someone or something is what that person or thing appears or claims to be. This differs from "unsatisfied," which means not content; "reliable," which means responsible; "precise," which means exact; and "definite," which means certain.

Example Question #201 : Synonyms

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

AGGRAVATING

Possible Answers:

Angry

Frustrating

Spiteful 

Anxious

Terrorizing

Correct answer:

Frustrating

Explanation:

"Aggravating" means exasperating. Similarly, "frustrating" means bothersome or annoying. These words are very similar, and therefore are synonyms.

Example Question #202 : Synonyms

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

DISGRUNTLED

Possible Answers:

Frustrated

Obnoxious

Wrinkled

Disorderly

Upset

Correct answer:

Upset

Explanation:

To be "disgruntled" means to be dissatisfied and unhappy. To be "upset" means to be in a state of dismay. Given how similar in meaning "disgruntled" and "upset" are, "upset" is the correct answer.

Example Question #205 : Synonyms

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

FURIOUS

Possible Answers:

Happy

Humorous

Angry

Sad

Jealous

Correct answer:

Angry

Explanation:

If you are “furious,” you are very angry. Something that is “humorous” is very funny. If you are “jealous,” it means you want something that someone else has.

Example Question #203 : Synonyms

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

SURLY

Possible Answers:

Sulky

Contemporary

Important

Brawny

Furious

Correct answer:

Sulky

Explanation:

"Surly" means sullenuncivil, and unsmiling, so "sulky," an adjective that means brooding, petulant, and in a bad mood, is the correct answer. If you confused "surly" with "burly" (physically strong and stocky) you may have picked "brawny" (physically strong and muscular) as your answer. "Contemporary," when used as an adjective, means existing at the same time as something else in the past or having to do with the modern day. "Furious" means very angry and "important" means deserving of attention or pressing.

Example Question #204 : Synonyms

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

NONCHALANT

Possible Answers:

Unconcerned

Emotional

Caring

Interested

Gracious

Correct answer:

Unconcerned

Explanation:

If someone is nonchalant about a test grade, it means he or she is unconcerned or aloof.  Nonchalant is defined as laid back or not easily excited.

Example Question #205 : Synonyms

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

ELATED

Possible Answers:

Ecstatic

Strengthened

Associated

Connected

Astonished

Correct answer:

Ecstatic

Explanation:

Two of the wrong options attempt to have you confuse "elated" with "related." (These wrong options are "connected" and "associated".) To be "elated", however, is to be very happy. The word "ecstatic" means just this as well. It actually comes from root words meaning standing outside. Have you ever heard someone say, "She was beside herself with joy!" This means the person was almost "outside" herself because of her strong feelings. To be "ecstatic" is to be very happy in this way.

Example Question #209 : Synonyms

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

AFFECTIONATE

Possible Answers:

Joyful

Moody

Bubbly

Caring

Helpful

Correct answer:

Caring

Explanation:

When someone is "affectionate," he or she is very caring and loving toward other people. Now, while such a person might also tend to be helpful, joyful, or even bubbly, these meanings are not strict synonyms for "affectionate." Affection is, above all else, about love. Thus, the best synonym among those provided for "affectionate" is "caring." (The word "caring" means more than "helpful"—it indicates an emotional attachment. This makes it a better option.)

Example Question #206 : Synonyms

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

GLEEFUL

Possible Answers:

Friendly

Amazing

Willing

Energetic

Joyful

Correct answer:

Joyful

Explanation:

The word "glee" means a great amount of happiness. Thus, a gleeful person is very happy. We could say, "The baby was utterly gleeful while playing with the small dog, giggling and slapping playfully at the ground." The main thing that you want to express with the word "gleeful" is happiness.  (Often, this happiness comes with great energy too; however, gleefulness is about happiness.)  Thus, the best option is "joyful."

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