Identifying Synonyms
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ISEE Lower Level Verbal Reasoning › Identifying Synonyms
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.
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.
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."
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).
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.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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."