Identifying Synonyms
Help Questions
ISEE Upper Level Verbal Reasoning › Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PRECISE
Methodical
Arduous
Annoying
Similar
Industrious
Explanation
When someone is "precise," he or she is exact about details. Now, this can be used to mean that the person is not vague (in speech, writing, etc). It can also mean that the person is very exacting about details when working. Such a person is well described as being "methodical." This word describes someone who works on something by using a fixed method. This allows him or her to address all needed details for the given matter (instead of randomly working on it and, thus, missing important details).
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FURTIVE
Hidden
Explicit
Refulgent
Clear
Passionate
Explanation
Several of the proposed answers attempt to get you to confuse "furtive" with "fervent." The latter word means passionate and fierce. The word _"_furtive" actually comes from the Latin word for "thief". A thief acts under the cover of darkness and behaves secretively. Thus, when something is "furtive" it is secret or hidden. Therefore, the best option among those provided is "hidden."
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BLEAK
Desolate
Fertile
Abundant
Perceptive
Flagrant
Explanation
“Bleak” means desolate, bare, lifeless, and depressing. A situation can also be “bleak,” which means hopeless. As for the other answer choices, “fertile" can mean able to produce lots of vegetation and crops; "abundant" means found in large numbers; “perceptive” means insightful, sensitive, and noticing many things; and "flagrant" means overt and brazen and is often used to describe instances in which someone purposely breaks rules.
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ARBITRARY
Whimsical
Legal
Judgmental
Flimsy
Argumentative
Explanation
You might be tempted to see the word “arbiter” in “arbitrary.” They are not unrelated, for both pertain to a judgment being made. However, when something is "arbitrary," it is done at the whim of the one judging. It has no real reason other than that person’s desires or passions. Therefore, an “arbitrary” decision could be called “whimsical.” All of the other answers (except “flimsy”) are meant to trick you.
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PRECISE
Methodical
Arduous
Annoying
Similar
Industrious
Explanation
When someone is "precise," he or she is exact about details. Now, this can be used to mean that the person is not vague (in speech, writing, etc). It can also mean that the person is very exacting about details when working. Such a person is well described as being "methodical." This word describes someone who works on something by using a fixed method. This allows him or her to address all needed details for the given matter (instead of randomly working on it and, thus, missing important details).
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
STIPPLE
dapple
stupefy
surmise
transmute
vilify
Explanation
"Stipple" and "dapple" both mean to mark with numerous small dots or marks. "Stupefy" means to stun or astonish. "Surmise" means to come to a conclusion. "Transmute" means to convert or alter. "Vilify" means to criticize over harshly.
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ARBITRARY
Whimsical
Legal
Judgmental
Flimsy
Argumentative
Explanation
You might be tempted to see the word “arbiter” in “arbitrary.” They are not unrelated, for both pertain to a judgment being made. However, when something is "arbitrary," it is done at the whim of the one judging. It has no real reason other than that person’s desires or passions. Therefore, an “arbitrary” decision could be called “whimsical.” All of the other answers (except “flimsy”) are meant to trick you.
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DILIGENT
Industrious
Devoted
Regular
Fixated
Delightful
Explanation
When someone is "diligent," he or she is devoted to his or her work. Now, while this would likely make you think that "devoted" would be the best option, actually "industrious" is slightly better. When someone is "industrious," he or she is works with great care and devotion. This expresses the role of work in the devotion better than the simple word "devoted."
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PAROCHIAL
Limited
Heavenly
Posh
Naive
Ponderous
Explanation
"Parochial" means having a limited worldview, provincial. So the best answer choice is "limited." To provide further help, "posh" means wealthy and refined; "ponderous" means slow moving, boring; "naive" means gullible, easily tricked into believing lies; "heavenly" means lovely, divine.
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
RESOLUTE
Steadfast
Voted
Agreed
Tacit
Difficult
Explanation
The word "resolute" comes from similar roots as "resolve" and "resolution." These words mean in general to come to a determined decision. The particular adjective "resolute" describes someone who has decided in a fixed and unchanging manner. Thus, the best answer is "steadfast," which describes someone in a similar manner.