Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, and Rarity

Help Questions

ISEE Lower Level Verbal Reasoning › Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, and Rarity

Questions 1 - 10
1

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."

2

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

EXCELLENT

Superb

Perfect

Flawless

Surprising

Original

Explanation

It is important not to "overdo" the meaning of your word. When we say that something is "excellent," we mean to say that it is very good. This does not, however, mean that it is perfect. Therefore, you should not choose "perfect" or "flawless." Something that is "superb" is something excellent. You should know this word from the clearly related word "super." They are quite similar in meaning.

3

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

PALTRY

Meager

Cupboard

Coin

Trial

Explanation

"Paltry" means incredibly small and meaningless. "Meager" is the best choice because it also means worthless or not enough.

4

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

ELITE

Best

Snobby

Lofty

Rude

Happy

Explanation

"Elite"means having superlative qualities. "Best"means better than all other options. Given how similar these words' meanings are, "best"is the synonym for "elite_._"

5

Synonyms: Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.

VALUABLE

Expensive

Worthless

Antique

Authoritative

Explanation

"Valuable" is defined as worth a great deal of money. Since "expensive" things are highly priced, "expensive" is the best answer choice. "Worthless" is an antonym of "valuable."

6

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

INTRIGUING

Fascinating

Famous

Popular

Likeable

Intelligent

Explanation

When something is intriguing, it draws your interest. It does not have to be famous or well known. It just needs to be something that is rather interesting. For example, a mysterious doorway with a weird light coming out of it might be called "intriguing". The word "fascinating" is a close synonym for "interesting." Therefore, it is the best option among those given.

7

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

SIMILAR

Alike

Identical

Equal

Agreeable

Combined

Explanation

When two things are "similar," they are very much alike; however, they are not completely alike. When two things are 100% alike, they are equal or, simply, "the same." The word "similar," however, refers to things that are alike without being exactly the same. For instance, two cups could be similar in shape, though they are each a little bit different. Likewise, two shirts might have similar colors, though they are not exactly the same as each other.

8

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

SUPERB

Excellent

Average

Poor

Outrageous

Mediocre

Explanation

“Superb” means excellent or close to perfect, so "excellent" is the correct answer. To provide further help, “mediocre” means average when higher quality was expected, and “outrageous” means disgraceful and shocking.

9

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

ASTONISHING

Amazing

Disgusting

Intense

Frequent

Illegal

Explanation

The verb "to astound" means "to amaze." When something is described as being "astonishing," it is amazing. Thus, we could say, "It was astonishing how quickly John made progress at learning to play the organ. In only two years, he was more skilled than most people who had taken twenty years of lessons."

10

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

LUCRATIVE

Advantageous

Creative

Difficult

Easy

Explanation

The word "lucrative" means profitable or moneymaking. The best choice is "advantageous" because it means profitable or useful.

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