ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #843 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BASHFUL

Possible Answers:

Corrupt

Timid

Resilient

Prudent

Active

Correct answer:

Timid

Explanation:

We would use the adjective "bashful" to describe someone who is nervous around others and would likely avoid being noticed whenever possible. In other words, "bashful" is synonymous with "shy" or "timid," and we have found our answer! Just to be thorough, let's take a look at the three incorrect choices. "Resilient" refers to the quality of being strong or able to endure hardship. "Active" can either relate to physical exercise or simply mean busy, and a "corrupt" individual acts dishonestly or otherwise immorally, especially in a position of power. None of these choices relate to the term "bashful" at all, so "timid" should be our final choice.

Example Question #844 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HUMOROUS

Possible Answers:

Sad

Tough

Funny

Soft

Lonely

Correct answer:

Funny

Explanation:

The word “humorous” means funny, so "funny" is the correct answer. The word “lonely” means feeling sad about being by yourself.

Example Question #845 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SINCERE

Possible Answers:

Bold

Proud

Immoral

Genuine

Optimistic

Correct answer:

Genuine

Explanation:

To be “sincere” means honest and truthful. It can also be used to describe an effort that is heartfelt as opposed to merely feigned. "Genuine" is thus the answer choice closest in meaning to "sincere," as it is close in meaning to this second usage. While "sincere" contains the syllable "sin," it does not derive from any word meaning "sin"; however, this may have encouraged you to pick "immoral," a synonym of "sinful," as your answer. As for the other terms, "bold" means brazen and undaunted; and "proud" means taking pleasure from what one has accomplished; and "optimistic" means choosing to see the future in a positive, hopeful light.

Example Question #846 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AUDACIOUS

Possible Answers:

Overbearing

Cautious

Humble

Reserved

Brazen

Correct answer:

Brazen

Explanation:

"Audacious" means showing a shameless lack of fear. "Brazen" also means shameless and courageous, so "brazen" is the correct answer.

Example Question #847 : Identifying Synonyms

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

POMPOUS

Possible Answers:

Arrogant

Careless

Surly

Delectable

Sluggish

Correct answer:

Arrogant

Explanation:

Pompous means proud and arrogant. To further help you, surly means rude and grumpy; delectable means very tasty; sluggish means lacking energy.

Example Question #401 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

GRACIOUS

Possible Answers:

Rude

Sociable

Impotent

Polite

Potent

Correct answer:

Polite

Explanation:

The word "gracious" is used to describe someone who is polite. Often it is used to describe someone who is polite in victory or defeat, someone who is friendly after the end of a competition. To provide further help, "sociable" means talkative, friendly; "potent" means powerful and "impotent" means not powerful. Notice the impact of the prefix im-

Example Question #402 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

DEVOTED

Possible Answers:

Friendly

Regular

Loyal

Religious

Forgotten

Correct answer:

Loyal

Explanation:

A devoted person is someone who is loyal and caring.  The verb "to devote" is used to describe spending one's time on a given task. For example, we could say, "He devoted many hours to helping his mother bake cookies for Christmas."  The adjective "devoted" expresses some of this same sense of "being involved;" however, it takes on the idea of being loyal. Thus, we would say something like, "He was a devoted friend, always ready to help in even the most difficult of times."

Example Question #403 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

SUSPICIOUS

Possible Answers:

Questionable

Dangerous

Imprisoned

Evil

Illegal

Correct answer:

Questionable

Explanation:

The word "suspicious" has many negative meanings associated with it. In general, "suspicious activity" is activity that is in some way questionable and not good. It indicates that some kind of secrecy is going on. You might be tempted to pick many of the options that have such bad overtones. Suspicious activity is not, however, essentially illegal activity. Instead, it is just "questionable." For example, you could say, "His explanation was suspicious, so his mother decided to check into the matter further."

Example Question #404 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

RATIONAL

Possible Answers:

Genius

Angry

Talented

Logical

Humane

Correct answer:

Logical

Explanation:

The word "rational" comes from the Latin roots meaning able to reason. Reasoning is just the manner of thinking that we do when we think logically. For example, you might think: "I generally hate any kind of oatmeal. This food is oatmeal. Well, therefore, I likely will hate this food." This is a rational or logical way of thinking.

Example Question #405 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

IMMATURE

Possible Answers:

Aged

Developed

Stupid

Childish

Responsible

Correct answer:

Childish

Explanation:

When something is "mature," it is fully developed. Sometimes, the word is used to describe food that has become ripe; however, it can also be used to describe someone's personality. For example, a mature adult is someone who takes life seriously, as is appropriate for someone of his or her age. An immature person is someone who is not mature. Thus, the best option among those provided here is "childish."

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