Identifying Synonyms

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ISEE Lower Level Verbal Reasoning › Identifying Synonyms

Questions 1 - 10
1

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

PRECISE

Exact

Immature

Careless

Incomplete

Serious

Explanation

The adjective "precise" refers to an extremely accurate or specific measurement or assessment. "Exact," which also refers to an accurate or correct quantity, is our answer. "Careless" is clearly incorrect, since it describes something that is sloppy and unlikely to be perfectly measured. You might use the word "immature" to describe a person who acts unusually young and inexperienced; neither this term nor "incomplete" (unfinished) is related to the given word.

2

Select the word that has most nearly the same meaning as the word in capital letters.

DEVIOUS

sneaky

unfortunate

reprehensible

suspicious

turbulent

Explanation

"Devious" is defined as showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals.

This is closest in definition to "sneaky." Although someone who is devious may be "reprehensible," meaning deserving censure or condemnation, is not a close match.

3

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

INSANE

Crazy

Sick

Disappointing

Imprisoned

Hospitalized

Explanation

The word "insane" is used to describe someone or something that is crazy. For instance, a person who has lost his or her mind would be called "insane". Such a person requires a lot of care to keep himself or herself safe. An "insane idea" is a crazy one. For example, if someone told you that they were going to try to use a pig as a parachute when jumping out of a plane, you could say that the person had an "insane idea."

4

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

FIRM

Solid

Lively

Joyful

Angry

Ignorant

Explanation

The word "firm" is an adjective used to describe something that is physically solid. For example, a firm pillow is one that is somewhat hard—as opposed to a very soft pillow. Sometimes, too, this word is used to describe someone's actions. For example, to say, "He was firm about his wish to have at least eight hours of sleep," means that the person did not give up his desire for the sleep (even if others protested).

5

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

RELUCTANT

Unwilling

Cantankerous

Enthused

Demonic

Susceptible

Explanation

“Reluctant” means not willing, so "unwilling" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "reluctant": “cantankerous” means grumpy; “enthused” means excited; “demonic” means marked by qualities of the devil or of demons; “susceptible” means vulnerable or in danger from something specific.

6

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

ENLIGHTENING

Informative

Scholarly

Lunar

Polar

Grammatical

Explanation

The word "enlightening" comes from the word light, but it is used in a metaphorical sense. It means making something understandable. Think of when we say, "That was an enlightening explanation."It is like the explanation "shines" and makes its topic obvious. The best option for this is "informative," for informative things or actions help to explain something else.

7

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

DANDY

Terrific

Useful

Tasteful

Normal

Explanation

One of the meanings of "dandy" is excellent. The best choice is "terrific" because it is a synonym of "excellent."

8

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

DEVOTED

Loyal

Regular

Religious

Forgotten

Friendly

Explanation

A devoted person is someone who is loyal and caring. The verb "to devote" is used to describe spending one's time on a given task. For example, we could say, "He devoted many hours to helping his mother bake cookies for Christmas." The adjective "devoted" expresses some of this same sense of "being involved;" however, it takes on the idea of being loyal. Thus, we would say something like, "He was a devoted friend, always ready to help in even the most difficult of times."

9

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

DUBIOUS

Doubtful

Double

Wrong

Hasty

Explanation

The word "dubious" means doubtful or untrustworthy. The best choice is "doubtful" because it is part of the definition of "dubious_._"Considering the other choices, "double" means two of something, "wrong" means not correct, and "hasty" means quick.

10

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

DELECTABLE

Delicious

Unpalatable

Disgusting

Putrid

Explanation

"Delectable" and "delicious" are synonyms, each meaning pleasant-tasting. "Unpalatable," "disgusting," and "putrid" are antonyms, or opposites, of "delectable" and "delicious."

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