ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #361 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TENTATIVE

Possible Answers:

Timely

Unsettled

Caustic

Chide

Correct answer:

Unsettled

Explanation:

The word "tentative" means uncertain. The best choice is "unsettled," which also means uncertain. Considering the other choices, to "chide" means to express disapproval, "caustic" means judgemental, and "timely" means well-timed.

Example Question #362 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TRANSIENT

Possible Answers:

Temporary

Lengthy

Permanent

Long-term

Correct answer:

Temporary

Explanation:

"Transient" is defined as lasting only for a short amount of time, making "temporary" the best answer choice. "Permanent," "long-term," and "lengthy" are all antonyms of transient. 

Example Question #363 : Identifying Synonyms

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

OMNISCIENT

Possible Answers:

All-knowing

Obtuse

Unconscious

Blind

Oblivious

Correct answer:

All-knowing

Explanation:

"Omniscient" means having complete and unlimited knowledge.  "All-knowing" means knowing everything, so it is the best match.

Example Question #361 : Identifying Synonyms

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

QUIZZICAL

Possible Answers:

Inquiring

Testing

Final

Examining

Comprehending

Correct answer:

Inquiring

Explanation:

"Quizzical" means demonstrating that you do not understand something and have a question and usually refers to expressions. "Inquire," the verb form of "inquiring," means ask, so "inquiring" is the best match because it means demonstrating that you have a question about something.

Example Question #531 : Synonyms

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

FANCIFUL

Possible Answers:

Invaluable

Exemplary

Opulent

Decorative

Imaginary

Correct answer:

Imaginary

Explanation:

For something to be "fanciful," it means that it is whimsical and imaginary; it is opposite of something that is real and reasonable.

Example Question #362 : Identifying Synonyms

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

OBVIOUS

Possible Answers:

Uncertain

Confused

Evident

Interesting

Correct answer:

Evident

Explanation:

You might use the word "obvious" every day, but the answer to this question might not be obvious at first sight! The word means not hidden or clear and understandable. The word "evident" means obvious or plainly expressed and understood. It is related to "evidence." "Evidence" is something that makes another thing to be known. For example, evidence in a criminal case is used to make the guilt or innocence of the charged person known. When something is "evident," it is obvious and can function well as evidence. Notice that every other answer (other than "interesting") is opposite in meaning to "obvious."

Example Question #198 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

IMPLICIT

Possible Answers:

Send

Place

Famous

Unspoken

Correct answer:

Unspoken

Explanation:

The word "implicit" means understood without being said. The best choice is "unspoken" because "without being said" is part of the definition of "implicit." 

Example Question #369 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RATIONAL

Possible Answers:

Frangible

Hurried

Unreasonable

Irritated

Logical

Correct answer:

Logical

Explanation:

When a person behaves rationally, he or she is thinking sensibly about his or her actions. Similarly, "logical" behavior is conducted according to reasonable thought or "logic." In other words, these two terms are synonyms. As for the other choices, "unreasonable" behavior is not sensible, an "irritated" person is bothered or annoyed, someone who is "hurried" is rushed, and something "frangible" is easily broken.

Example Question #371 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PREPOSTEROUS

Possible Answers:

Absurd

Whimsical

Available

Mediocre

Intelligent 

Correct answer:

Absurd

Explanation:

"Preposterous" means not making sense, ridiculous, or absurd, so "absurd" is the correct answer. To help you, "whimsical" means quirky and silly, "intelligent" means smart, "mediocre" means average when a higher quality is expected, and "available" means able to be used or gotten.

Example Question #372 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EPHEMERAL

Possible Answers:

Transitory

Lasting

Imperial

Protective

Permanent

Correct answer:

Transitory

Explanation:

"Ephemeral" is an adjective that means "lasting for a very short time." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "lasting for a short time." "Permanent" cannot be the correct answer, then, because "permanent" is an antonym of "lasting for a short time." "Transitory," however, is an adjective that means "not permanent," or in other words, "of brief duration : temporary," and because it is the answer choice that is closest in meaning to "ephemeral," "transitory" is the correct answer.

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