All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #231 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HERETIC
Secularist
Pantheist
Atheist
Deist
Apostate
Apostate
The word “heretic” is perhaps used by many people in inexact manners. It is originally derived from Greek that merely meant “to choose” or “to select.” While it is regularly applied to religious matters, the term more generally means “one who has chosen one doctrine to the exclusion of others.” Such a person holds an opinion that is outside the norms and beliefs of a given group. An “apostate” is one who has abandoned a set of views—often religious, though not always. Among the options provided, this is the closest to “heretic.”
Example Question #232 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PARAGON
Nomad
Prodigy
Decree
Epitome
Impasse
Epitome
A "paragon" is an exemplary example of something, so "epitome," which means or embodiment, archetype, or model, is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, a “prodigy” is a young person who is especially gifted; an “impasse” is a situation that cannot be passed, a deadlock, or a stalemate; a “nomad” is a person who wanders from place to place without a permanent home; and a “decree” means an official order, often given by a monarch.
Example Question #233 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
RECLUSE
Villain
Hermit
Antagonist
Protagonist
Savior
Hermit
A "recluse" is a person who lives alone and avoids all contact with people. This is very similar in meaning to a "hermit." To provide further help, a "protagonist" is the hero of a story; an "antagonist" is the villian of a story.
Example Question #234 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PEER
Outlaw
Enemy
Legislator
Juror
Equal
Equal
A "peer" is a contemporary, an equal, someone of the same social grouping as you. To provide further help, a "juror" is someone who sits on a jury; an "outlaw" is a bandit, someone who operates outside the law; a "legislator" is a lawmaker.
Example Question #235 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INSURGENT
Soldier
Student
Teacher
Rebel
Guard
Rebel
An "insurgent" is a rebel, someone seeking to overthrow the existing political order. While "insurgents" may, in fact, act as "soldiers," not all insurgents are directly involved with warfare, nor are any insurgents members of an official state-sanctioned army, so the two words are not synonymous.
Example Question #236 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MENDICANT
iconoclast
contaminant
harbinger
vagabond
proclivity
vagabond
A "mendicant" is a vagabond or a beggar. An "iconoclast" is someone who goes against established traditions or beliefs. A "harbinger" is an omen or portent. A "contaminant" is an impurity or pollutant. A "proclivity" is a tendency or a habit.
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All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
