All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #151 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EXPOSITION
Explication
Presentation
Speech
Syllogism
Expression
Explication
An "exposition" is a complete explanation of some topic. For example, we could say, "The Summa Logicae of William of Ockham was an excellent exposition of all the topics discussed in the logic of his day." Now, do not be tricked by the options presented here. Some, such as "speech" and "presentation" try to trick you into picking certain particular media that are used for giving expositions. Granted, "presentation" can also merely indicate the general act of presenting something; however, insofar as this does not indicate a great depth of explanation, it is not quite the same as "exposition." Thus, the best option is "explication," which is an in depth treatment of a topic.
Example Question #152 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INVENTORY
Catalog
Shop
Design
Magazine
Warehouse
Catalog
An "inventory" is a list of things in a place or a supply of goods stored in a place.
In this case "catalog," meaning a systemized list, closely matches the first definition. A "magazine" is a publication and related to an alternate definition of catalog, a "shop" is a store where one purchases things rather than a store of items, a "warehouse" is a place where inventory might be stored, and a "design" is a systemized plan.
Example Question #153 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
REVERIE
Meal
Focus
Celebration
Daydream
Lunch
Daydream
"Reverie" is a noun meaning a meandering train of thought or a state of being lost in pleasant thoughts. A "daydream" is a chain of distractingly pleasant thoughts. The word "focus" is an antonym of "reverie," "meal" and "lunch" are both times when a person eats, and a "celebration" is a large party.
Example Question #154 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HARBINGER
affirmation
jargon
portent
delusion
hybrid
portent
A "harbinger" is a portent, omen, or indication of something. An "affirmation" is a declaration of truth. A "delusion" is a misconception or misbelief. A "hybrid" is a mixture or combination of something. "Jargon" is a specialized language or dialect.
Example Question #155 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DISARRAY
Harshness
Chaos
Order
Fairness
Boor
Chaos
"Disarray" means chaos, not in order. When you here the phrase "in disarray" that means in a chaotic state, out of control. To provide further help, a "boor" is a rude, insensitive person.
Example Question #156 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
QUANDARY
Dilemma
Peer
Equilibrium
Luminary
Suffrage
Dilemma
A "quandary" is a difficult situation, a problem. As such the best possible answer choice is "dilemma." To provide further help, a "peer" is an equal, someone in your social group; "suffrage" is the right to vote; "equilibrium" is a state of balance; a "luminary" is a notable person in his or her field.
Example Question #157 : Synonyms: Nouns
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ENNUI
Boredom
Irritation
Sorrow
Friendship
Hope
Boredom
"Ennui" is a state of extreme or long-lasting boredom, a feeling of dissatisfaction arising from a complete lack of excitement or entertainment.
Example Question #381 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AVARICE
Fortune
Greed
Envy
Love
Pride
Greed
"Avarice" means greed. Someone who is "avaricious" is greedy. "Fortune" is related to "avarice," they are not synonyms, not all avaricious people possess a fortune, and not all fortunate people are avaricious (note also that fortune refers to wealth and luck, not just wealth). "Love" is an emotion unrelated to "avarice." "Envy" is closer in meaning to jealousy than it is to "avarice."
Example Question #382 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
LASSITUDE
Pantheon
Venal
Sinecure
Prophecy
Lethargy
Lethargy
"Lassitude" is a state of physical or mental exhaustion, lethargy. To provide further help, a "prophecy" is a prediction; a "pantheon" is a group of Gods within a religion; a "sinecure" is an easy job; "venal" means corrupt.
Example Question #383 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EXPLETIVE
Profanity
Calamity
Infamy
Enmity
Amnesty
Profanity
An "expletive" is a swear word, a curse word. So the closest correct answer is "profanity." To provide further help, "infamy" is the quality of being famous for the wrong reasons; a "calamity" is a disaster, a farce; "enmity" means hostility; an "amnesty" is a pardon for an offense.
All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
