ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #661 : Synonyms

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

PASSIVE

Possible Answers:

Destroyed

Killed

Sad

Aloft

Obedient

Correct answer:

Obedient

Explanation:

"The word "passive" comes from Latin roots meaning to suffer or to have something happen to oneself. Thus, it is related to words like "passion" and "impassioned." When we have a lot of emotion, we seem to "suffer" the feelings that overwhelm us. Think of a time that you have been very mad, it seems like the anger overtakes you—you are the passive recipient of the emotion, or at least it seems so. The word "passive" can mean not active. Additionally, someone who just receives someone's words or orders by merely accepting and doing them can be called "passive" as well. Hence, "obedient" is a good option for this question.

Example Question #331 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

OPTIONAL

Possible Answers:

Idiotic

Voluntary

Educated

Acceptable

Certain

Correct answer:

Voluntary

Explanation:

When something is "optional," it is not required. Thus, you could say, "That homework was only optional." This means that you are not required to do that particular work. When something is voluntary, it is up to our choice—just like something optional. The word "voluntary" actually comes from the Latin "voluntas," which means will. Something voluntary is in the power of our willing. A "volunteer" does something of his or her own free will—that is, not out of a requirement or for a payment.

Example Question #332 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

FIGURATIVE

Possible Answers:

Symbolic

Crazy

Deceptive

False

Unintelligible

Correct answer:

Symbolic

Explanation:

When we use "figurative" language, we use words in a way that is not literal. For example, I could say, "The sun is bright today."  This is literal language. However, if I were to say on a beautiful day, "The sun is happy today," this would be figurative language. Likewise, I could say, "She had a look on her face that could curdle milk." Well, maybe the person's face did show her displeasure. It certainly could not literally curdle milk! Thus, figurative language is symbolic or metaphorical.

Example Question #333 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

ABUNDANT

Possible Answers:

Wealthy

Plentiful

Snobby

Fattening

Arrogant

Correct answer:

Plentiful

Explanation:

Whenever we have something "in abundance," this means that we have a lot of it. The adjective "abundant" is used to describe something that is numerous and plentiful. Therefore, you could say, "I have an abundance of bread—indeed, enough to fill two whole baskets!" This means that you have a lot of bread. Your bread is "plentiful"!

Example Question #334 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

RURAL

Possible Answers:

Undeveloped

Foolish

Hilly

Unintelligent

Agricultural

Correct answer:

Agricultural

Explanation:

The word "rural" is used as an adjective to describe an area that is not developed like a city. It is usually used as a synonym for "the countryside." There are few adjectives that mean "country-like" or "pertaining-to-the-countryside." Therefore, the only option provided here that is close is "agricultural." This is sometimes used as a synonym for "rural." People in the countryside often have agricultural businesses to make money, using the land to grow crops.

Example Question #335 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

PRECISE

Possible Answers:

Excellent

Picky

Scientific

Exact

Amazing

Correct answer:

Exact

Explanation:

Whenever something is "precise," it is exact. We tend to talk about "precise measurements," often meaning the kinds of measurements that scientists might make. Also, people who are precise can at times be picky—very annoying about exact details. The only option that really expresses a correct synonym is the word "exact."

Example Question #336 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

ENCHANTING

Possible Answers:

Mythological

Improper

Delightful

False

Fictional

Correct answer:

Delightful

Explanation:

Whenever something is "enchanting," it draws our attention and keeps it. Thus, it is something that is captivating or delightful. Whenever we say, "It was an enchanting evening," we mean that it was a very delightful and wonderful evening. A story can be "enchanting" when it is delightful and captivates the attention of the listener or reader.

Example Question #337 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

HOSTILE

Possible Answers:

Warlike

Poisonous

Unfriendly

Pushy

Favorable

Correct answer:

Unfriendly

Explanation:

Whenever someone is "hostile," he or she is a foe. The primary meaning of "hostile" means unfriendly, in the sense that implies that someone or something is a kind of foe or enemy. Therefore, among the options given, the simple word "unfriendly" is actually the best option!

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Select the word that has most nearly the same meaning as the word in capital letters.

DEVIOUS

Possible Answers:

suspicious

reprehensible

turbulent

sneaky

unfortunate

Correct answer:

sneaky

Explanation:

"Devious" is defined as showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals.

This is closest in definition to "sneaky." Although someone who is devious may be "reprehensible," meaning deserving censure or condemnation, is not a close match.

Example Question #340 : Synonyms: 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.

ELOQUENT:

Possible Answers:

experienced

dull

efficient

expressive

ineffective

Correct answer:

expressive

Explanation:

The word eloquent is often used in regards to eloquent language or writing.  It indicates that someone is expressive or well-spoken.

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