Synonym Selection
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ISEE Lower Level: Verbal Reasoning › Synonym Selection
RELINQUISH
polish
keep
weaken
surrender
Explanation
The word RELINQUISH means to voluntarily give up something. The word 'surrender' also means to give up or hand over something to another. Therefore, 'surrender' is the closest synonym. 'Keep' is an antonym. 'Polish' is a word with a different meaning. 'Weaken' might be a result of relinquishing something, but it is not a synonym.
FRUGAL
wealthy
fragile
thrifty
generous
Explanation
The word FRUGAL means being careful and economical with money or resources. The word 'thrifty' has the same meaning. Therefore, 'thrifty' is the correct synonym. 'Fragile' sounds similar but means easily broken. 'Generous' is an antonym. Being 'wealthy' might result from being frugal, but the words do not mean the same thing.
PERIL
benefit
safety
danger
pearl
Explanation
The word PERIL means serious and immediate danger. The word 'danger' has the same meaning. Therefore, 'danger' is the correct synonym. 'Safety' is an antonym. 'Pearl' is a word that sounds similar but has a different meaning. 'Benefit' means an advantage, which is unrelated.
VEX
annoy
calm
fix
help
Explanation
The word VEX means to make someone feel annoyed or frustrated. The word 'annoy' has the same meaning. Therefore, 'annoy' is the correct synonym. 'Calm' and 'help' are antonyms. 'Fix' is an unrelated action.
NIMBLE
simple
clumsy
agile
strong
Explanation
The word NIMBLE means quick and light in movement or action. The word 'agile' has the same meaning. Therefore, 'agile' is the correct synonym. 'Clumsy' is an antonym. A person can be 'strong' without being nimble, and 'simple' is an unrelated quality.
PLUMMET
measure
slide
plunge
rise
Explanation
The word PLUMMET means to fall or drop straight down at a high speed. The word 'plunge' has the same meaning. Therefore, 'plunge' is the correct synonym. 'Rise' is an antonym. To 'slide' is to move downward, but not necessarily straight down or at high speed. A plummet is a tool used to 'measure' depth, but this is a different meaning of the word.
ORNATE
ancient
strong
elaborate
plain
Explanation
The word ORNATE means highly decorated, often with complex patterns. The word 'elaborate' means detailed and complicated in design. Therefore, 'elaborate' is the closest synonym. 'Plain' is an antonym. An ornate object might be 'ancient' or 'strong', but these words describe different qualities.
PROMINENT
noticeable
permanent
hidden
shy
Explanation
The word PROMINENT means easily seen or standing out. The word 'noticeable' has the same meaning. Therefore, 'noticeable' is the correct synonym. 'Hidden' is an antonym. 'Permanent' sounds similar but means lasting forever. 'Shy' is an antonym for a person who is prominent or well-known.
ALLEVIATE
solve
elevate
relieve
increase
Explanation
The word ALLEVIATE means to make a problem or suffering less severe. The word 'relieve' has the same meaning. Therefore, 'relieve' is the correct synonym. 'Increase' is an antonym. 'Elevate' sounds similar but means to raise up. To 'solve' a problem is to end it completely, while alleviating it just makes it better.
BENIGN
harmless
powerful
cruel
begin
Explanation
The word BENIGN means gentle, kindly, or not harmful. The word 'harmless' is the closest synonym. 'Cruel' is an antonym. 'Begin' sounds similar but has a different meaning. Something can be 'powerful' and also benign, but the words are not synonyms.