ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ISEE Lower Level Verbal

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #171 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

INTENSE

Possible Answers:

Extreme

Rude

Able

Kind

Hateful

Correct answer:

Extreme

Explanation:

The word "intense" is used to describe something that is very strong or very extreme. For example, "intense anger" is a lot of anger, "intense heat" is very hot, and an "intense smell" is one that is very strong and smelly. Thus, the best option among the options provided is "extreme." This word also means a lot. It is fair to say that "intense heat" is also "extreme heat."

Example Question #172 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

FEROCIOUS

Possible Answers:

Exciting

Forested

External

Wild

Stunning

Correct answer:

Wild

Explanation:

The word "ferocious" is related to the word "fierce." This can mean extreme, as when we say, "There was a fierce storm last night." This means that the storm was strong.  Often "ferocious" is used to describe animals that are very fierce and dangerous.  Thus, it can also mean "wild."  For example, to say, "The ferocious dog bit the burglar's leg and would not let go," means that the dog was fierce in its attack on the burglar.

Example Question #173 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

FEEBLE

Possible Answers:

Aware

Weak

Lazy

Sensible

Alive

Correct answer:

Weak

Explanation:

The word "feeble" describes someone who is very weak.  It also can describe something physical that is not very powerful. For example, a "feeble sound" is one that is very soft. When we say that someone gave a "feeble attempt" at something, we mean that he or she really didn't try very much. While it may be tempting to say that someone who is feeble is also lazy, this really is not fair. The only thing we can say about the word "feeble" is that it means "weak".  This is the best answer for this question.

Example Question #174 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

MILD

Possible Answers:

Repetitive

Spicy

Cheap

Light

Tacky

Correct answer:

Light

Explanation:

We often use the word "mild" to describe food. Mild foods are not spicy; however, the word "mild" can also be used to describe things that are not harsh in general. Thus, a "mild temperament" is one that is gentle. Also, a scolding can be called "mild."  In this case, you mean something like light. If your mother only yells at you a little bit, that would be a mild scolding. That is the meaning being used here.

Example Question #175 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

POTENT

Possible Answers:

Toxic

Harmful

Strong

Poisonous

Annoyed

Correct answer:

Strong

Explanation:

The word "potent" actually comes from roots that mean able or having the power to do something. A "potential boxer" is someone who has it in his power to become a boxer. We tend to think of "potions" as being toxic. Do not get confused with these words. (Several of the options might lead you to do this.) "Potent" merely means "powerful" or "strong." The latter is the correct option for this question.

Example Question #176 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

FRAIL

Possible Answers:

Impoverished

Dead

Aged

Elderly

Weak

Correct answer:

Weak

Explanation:

"Frailty" has to do with being weak. A "frail" person is someone who is lacking strength. It can also be used to describe something that is "fragile"—easily broken. While "elderly" people are often frailer than young people, the options "aged" and "elderly" are traps. First and foremost, frailty has to do with lacking strength. Thus, the best option is "weak."

Example Question #177 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

ACUTE

Possible Answers:

Severe

Emergency

Mathematical

Triangular

Medical

Correct answer:

Severe

Explanation:

Whenever we have "acute pain," it is a severe and sudden kind of pain that we experience. Do not be tricked in this question, however, into thinking that either "emergency" or "medical" are synonyms. Likewise, don't let your math knowledge trick you! An acute angle is one that is less than 90 degrees. "Acute" is a synonym neither for "mathematics" nor for "triangle"!  The simple word "severe" is the best!

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Authenticity, Truth, Existence, And Understanding

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

CREDIBLE

Possible Answers:

Sound

Believe

Able

Astounding

Correct answer:

Sound

Explanation:

The word "credible" means believable or true. The best choice is "sound" as it means true when it is used as an adjective. "Believe" is closely related to the word "credble" but cannot be the correct choice since "believe" is a verb while "credible" is an adjective. The other choices are unrelated. When none of the answer choices seem obviously correct to you, remember to consider their secondary definitions.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Authenticity, Truth, Existence, And Understanding

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

ACCURATE

Possible Answers:

General

Uncertain

Precise

Incorrect

Correct answer:

Precise

Explanation:

The correct answer is "precise." "Precise" and "accurate" are synonyms because both mean exact.  The other words do not mean "accurate."

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Authenticity, Truth, Existence, And Understanding

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

SKEPTICAL

Possible Answers:

Suspicious

Trite

True

Sketch

Correct answer:

Suspicious

Explanation:

The word "skeptical" means having doubt. "Suspicious" also means having doubt. Therefore, "suspicious" is the best choice, as "suspicious" and "skeptical" have the same definition. Considering the other choices, "sketch" means draw quickly, "true" means real, and "trite" means unoriginal.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors