ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #26 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

STRENUOUS

Possible Answers:

Strict

Fun

Appealing

Stressed

Difficult

Correct answer:

Difficult

Explanation:

Something that is "strenuous" is very challenging, whether it be physically or mentally challenging. Thus, "difficult" is the best synonym because something that is "difficult" is not easy to complete. Thus, "strenuous" and "difficult" are synonyms. 

Example Question #27 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

TOXIC

Possible Answers:

Sick

Poisonous

Mean

Scary

Magical

Correct answer:

Poisonous

Explanation:

Something that is "toxic" is dangerous because it is a substance that is not tolerated by most organisms, especially the human body. If someone consumes something toxic, that person could get very sick or even die. Something that is "poisonous" has the ability to make an organism very sick or kill it. Given that "poisonous" and "toxic" are synonyms, "poisonous" is the correct answer.

Example Question #28 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

ARID

Possible Answers:

Cold

Hot

Snow

Dry

Wet

Correct answer:

Dry

Explanation:

If somewhere is “arid” that means it is very dry and does not get very much rain. So the desert is very “arid.”

Example Question #31 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

RIGOROUS

Possible Answers:

Serene

Easy

Violent

Loud

Hard

Correct answer:

Hard

Explanation:

The word “rigorous” means hard, challenging, or difficult. It is the opposite of “easy.” “Serene” means quiet and peaceful, so it is the opposite of “violent” and “loud” for different reasons.

Example Question #32 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

Each synonyms question is made up of a word in capital letters followed by five choices. Choose the one word that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

WEARY:

Possible Answers:

inflexible

impatient

content

tired

energetic

Correct answer:

tired

Explanation:

When someone feels weary, they are tired and fatigued.

Example Question #33 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

TIRED

Possible Answers:

Energetic

Active

Lively

Drowsy

Correct answer:

Drowsy

Explanation:

The correct answer is "drowsy," which means groggy or sleepy. "Lively," "energetic," and "active" are all opposites of "tired."  "Drowsy" is the only word that means nearly the same thing as "tired."

Example Question #34 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

LISTLESS

Possible Answers:

Forbidden

Unwritten

Lifeless

Wandering

Correct answer:

Lifeless

Explanation:

The word "listless" means having little energy or interest in things. The best choice is "lifeless," which means without energy. Considering the other choices, "unwritten" means not recorded in writing, "wandering" means moving from place to place without a destination, and "forbidden" means not allowed.

Example Question #31 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

TIRED

Possible Answers:

Exhausted

Hungry

Embellished

Young

Correct answer:

Exhausted

Explanation:

"Tired" is an adjective that means lacking energy or needing to sleep. So, the answer choice closest in meaning to "tired" is "exhausted," an adjective that means drained of bodily resources or tired. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "tired": "hungry" means needing food; "young" means not very old; and "embellished" means having details or additional components that make something more attractive.

Example Question #32 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

DROWSY

Possible Answers:

Concise

Excited

Painful

Agile

Tired

Correct answer:

Tired

Explanation:

"Drowsy" means sleepy and exhausted, so "tired" is the correct answer. "Excited" means very eager to do something or interested in something. "Painful" means causing pain or suffering. "Concise" means short and to the point. "Agile" means nimble or able to move swiftly.

Example Question #35 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

DORMANT

Possible Answers:

Inactive

Awake

Portable

Energetic

Scary

Correct answer:

Inactive

Explanation:

"Dormant" is an adjective that means "not doing anything at this time : not active but able to become active," or "having normal physical functions suspended or slowed down for a period of time; in or as if in a deep sleep." So, neither "awake" nor "energetic" can be the correct answer because each is an antonym of "dormant," not a synonym. "Inactive" is the closest synonym to "dormant" amongst the listed answer choices, so "inactive" is the correct answer.

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