ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #961 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PRONE

Possible Answers:

Urgent

Rural

Positive

Flat

Correct answer:

Flat

Explanation:

The word "prone" means lying on one's side. The best choice is "flat," which means horizontal. Something that lays on its side is horizontal. Considering the other choices, "urgent" means necessary and pressing, "rural" means pertaining to the countryside or having characteristics of country life, and "positive" means certain, optimistic, or carrying an electrical charge that is the opposite of negative.

Example Question #962 : Identifying Synonyms

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

POISED

Possible Answers:

Strong

Energetic

Balanced

Grounded

Willing

Correct answer:

Balanced

Explanation:

The best answer choice is balanced since the verb poised means to be balanced or suspended.

Example Question #963 : Identifying Synonyms

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

 

ISOLATED

Possible Answers:

Separate

Combined

United

Similar

Correct answer:

Separate

Explanation:

"Isolated" is an adjective meaning alone or solitary, so the answer choice closest in meaning to "isolated" is "separate," which is an adjective that means apart or distinct. Considering the other choices, "similar" is an adjective meaning alike, "combined" is an adjective meaning joined, and "united" is an adjective meaning together.

Example Question #964 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DERELICT

Possible Answers:

Vague

Strong

Abandoned

Direct

Remote

Correct answer:

Abandoned

Explanation:

The word "derelict" means abandoned and run-down. The best choice is "abandoned" because it is a part of the definition of "derelict." Considering the other choices, "direct" means proceeding on the shortest course, "strong" means showing great power, and "vague" means unclear.

Example Question #965 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VERDANT

Possible Answers:

Peaceful

Fabricated

Lush

Canine

Correct answer:

Lush

Explanation:

The word "verdant" means green or  covered in green vegetation. The best choice is "lush," which can also mean covered in lots of green vegetation. Considering the other choices, "canine" means having the characteristics of a dog, "fabricated" means artificially created, and "peaceful" means calm.

Example Question #966 : Identifying Synonyms

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

UBIQUITOUS

Possible Answers:

Childish

Different

Curious

Omnipresent

Correct answer:

Omnipresent

Explanation:

The word "ubiquitous" means present everywhere. The best choice is "omnipresent" since it also means present everywhere.

Example Question #966 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DESOLATE

Possible Answers:

Uncertain

Ruined

Bleak

Harmful

Lonely

Correct answer:

Bleak

Explanation:

The best answer choice is bleak.  Desolate refers to something that is bleak or depressing and barren.

 

Example Question #967 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PROVINCIAL

Possible Answers:

Unsophisticated 

Unstoppable

Implausible

Unmanageable

Implied 

Correct answer:

Unsophisticated 

Explanation:

“Provincial” means unsophisticated or characterized by simple and localized understanding. To provide further help, “unstoppable” means not able to be stopped; “implausible” means not believable; “implied” means suggested

Example Question #968 : Identifying Synonyms

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

NOVEL 

Possible Answers:

Learned

Textbook

Fictional

Recreational

New

Correct answer:

New

Explanation:

Do not be tricked by our normal use of the word "novel" to speak of a particular kind of book—a fictional story generally. The original meaning for the word is "new." It comes from the Latin "novus" meaning new. We see this Latin root in other words like "novelty" and "novice." The options "fictional," "textbook," and "recreational" all try to trick you into thinking of the more familiar form of "novel" referring to the type of book. Do not fall for this trick, however! All of these options are not even exactly synonymous with that meaning! Instead, for the reasons already mentioned, the best option is "new".

Example Question #969 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TARDY

Possible Answers:

Tasty

Pleasant

Quick

Late

Difficult

Correct answer:

Late

Explanation:

Tardy is an adjective describing something that is delayed, overdue, or sluggish. The correct synonym therefore is "late." "Tardy" has to do with timeliness not speed, so "quick" is not a direct antonym. "Tasty" has to do with taste, not timeliness.

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