ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #271 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

BORING

Possible Answers:

Annoying

Academic

Scholarly

Tedious

Regular

Correct answer:

Tedious

Explanation:

This question likely seems very easy, and it basically can be. Just don't be tricked by its seeming ease. The word "boring" is very familiar. Therefore, go through the answers eliminating them word by word. Something that is "regular" might be boring, but not everything that is boring is regular. Something very new and unexpected can also be boring. "Academic" and "scholarly" things are often boring, but this is not a definition of what it is to be boring. These is just descriptions of things that sometimes might be boring. "Annoying" is not a good synonym, as it describes something else—once again, some boring things might be annoying, but "to be annoying" means something different than "to be boring." Therefore, the best option is "tedious," which means "dull and repetitive," which implies being boring much more than do the other options.

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

IMPOVERISHED

Possible Answers:

Receding

Uneducated

Upscale

Poor

Depressed

Correct answer:

Poor

Explanation:

The word "impoverished" literally means "in-poverty" or in the state of poverty. To "impoverish" someone is to make that person to be poor. The "-ed" form indicates that this is a passive participle, meaning that it is an adjective describing someone to whom the action of "impoverishing" has occurred. To be "impoverished" therefore means to be made poor or merely to be poor.

Example Question #441 : Identifying Synonyms

Each synonyms question is made up of a word in capital letters followed by five choices. Choose the one word that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

DISMAL:

Possible Answers:

energetic

failed

indifferent

carefree

bleak

Correct answer:

bleak

Explanation:

When something is dismal such as a dismal day, it means that it is bleak or desolate.

Example Question #272 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

EXTINCT

Possible Answers:

Exit

Present

Gone

Quick

Correct answer:

Gone

Explanation:

The word "extinct" refers to species of living things and means no longer existing or gone. "Gone" is the best choice because it is part of the definiton of "extinct."

Example Question #611 : Synonyms

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

AUTOMATED

Possible Answers:

Reckless

Personalized

Bland

Mechanized

Correct answer:

Mechanized

Explanation:

When a process is "automated," it is done by a machine instead of by a human. "Mechanized" also refers to procedures that are completed by machines. If you have trouble remembering these words, just think about how a machine (a similar word that you likely know) is automatic. "Personalized" has a very different meaning; it means changed to fit an individual's unique needs. "Bland" means tasteless, and "reckless" means careless or willing to do dangerous things without worrying about the consequences.

Example Question #612 : Synonyms

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

RESIDUAL

Possible Answers:

Wish for

Aim for 

Still to come 

Look for 

Left over

Correct answer:

Left over

Explanation:

Residual means left over or left behind. For example, I noticed some residual dirt on some of the dishes when I was taking them out of the dishwasher.

Example Question #613 : Synonyms

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

UNEXPECTED

Possible Answers:

Brash

Bold

Gradual

Surprising

Correct answer:

Surprising

Explanation:

"Unexpected" is an adjective that means not expected. So, the answer choice closest in meaning to "unexpected" is "surprising," an adjective that means unexpected. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "unexpected": "gradual" means slowly taking place; "bold" means confident and courageous; and "brash" means assertive in a rude way.

Example Question #614 : Synonyms

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

DESTRUCTIVE

Possible Answers:

Considerable

Boast

Frontier

Ruinous

Brief

Correct answer:

Ruinous

Explanation:

"Destructive" means causing damage. Ruinous also means disastrous or causing damage, so "ruinous" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, "considerable" means noticeable due to large size or amount, "brief" means short or quick, a "frontier" is a border between two countries, and to "boast" means to talk about yourself and your achievements with pride.

Example Question #615 : Synonyms

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

DAMAGING

Possible Answers:

Considerate

Inconsiderate

Helpful

Applicable

Harmful

Correct answer:

Harmful

Explanation:

"Damaging" means harmful or causing damage. To further help you, "considerate" means thoughtful about other people’s feelings; "inconsiderate" means unkind and not caring; "applicable" means able to be applied to or relevant

Example Question #616 : Synonyms

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

PERILOUS

Possible Answers:

Amusing

Terrifying

Frightening

Hazardous

Questionable

Correct answer:

Hazardous

Explanation:

When we say that something is "in peril" or "imperiled," that thing is in a state of great danger or risk. The word "perilous" is the adjective that describes such a state ("a perilous situation"). Perilous situations are likely to be very frightening or even terrifying. However, these words really indicate what perilous things emotionally cause. They do not describe what it is to be perilous. "To be perilous" means to be very dangerous. Therefore, the best option is "hazardous." A "hazard" is a danger or a source of danger. "Hazardous" describes something that is dangerous.

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