ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #471 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

RIGID

Possible Answers:

Elastic

Loose

Sufficient

Firm

Adaptable

Correct answer:

Firm

Explanation:

Something that is "rigid" is stiff or firm, so "firm" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "rigid": "adaptable" means able to adjust oneself to fit a given situation; "sufficient" means enough; "elastic" means flexible; and "loose" means not tightly secured or baggy in fit.

Example Question #912 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HOLLOW

Possible Answers:

Many

Brave

Filled

Continous

Empty

Correct answer:

Empty

Explanation:

"Hollow" means empty.

Example Question #472 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

PLIABLE

Possible Answers:

Honest

Routine

Flexible

Unyielding

Askew

Correct answer:

Flexible

Explanation:

The adjective "pliable" describes the quality of being easy to bend; a pliable material, therefore, is not stiff or "unyielding." Instead, it is "flexible," which is our correct synonym. The two remaining answer choices, though also adjectives in at least some cases, are unrelated to this term. "Askew" refers to the quality of being crooked, as in a poster that is hung at a slant on the wall. "Routine," our final choice, can describe an activity that is unremarkable or part of a regular schedule. Note that "routine" can also be used as a noun, as in our "daily routine." Finally, "honest" means truthful.

Example Question #473 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

RIGID

Possible Answers:

Stiff

Dormant

Common

Variable

Tireless

Correct answer:

Stiff

Explanation:

A material like steel is inflexible and would be considered rigid.  Thus, the best way to characterize something rigid is to term it as stiff.

Example Question #474 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

FIRM

Possible Answers:

Mean

Stiff

Fresh

Soft

Textured

Correct answer:

Stiff

Explanation:

Something that is "firm" holds its form easily and is difficult to bend out of shape. The word that best reflects this characteristic as a synonym is therefore "stiff," which means inflexible. The other answer choices are unrelated to the word "firm."

Example Question #475 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

FRAIL

Possible Answers:

Small

Failed

Undiscovered

Weak

Subtle

Correct answer:

Weak

Explanation:

Something that is "frail" is easily broken. Something that is "weak" is lacking strength, and therefore also breaks very easily. Given the similarities between these two words, "weak" is the best synonym for "frail."

Example Question #476 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

UNKEMPT

Possible Answers:

Mistaken

Prodigious

Disheveled

Forceful

Tidy

Correct answer:

Disheveled

Explanation:

A person who appears "unkempt" looks messy, as if he or she has not groomed themselves, and generally lacking in personal maintenance. Have you ever left for school in a hurry, perhaps with unbrushed hair or wrinkled clothes? You likely seemed unkempt. Now that we know the meaning of the given term, let's examine the choices. "Tidy" means neat and organized, so it cannot be our answer. "Forceful," which means powerful, and "mistaken," which means incorrect, are not related to an untidy appearance. We are left with "disheveled," which means physically messy or out of order. We have found our synonym!

Example Question #477 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

COMPRESSED

Possible Answers:

Condensed

Shortened

Disguised

Squishy

Boiled

Correct answer:

Condensed

Explanation:

Something that is "compressed" is forced into a smaller space. Something that is "condensed" is reduced from a larger size into a smaller size while still holding the same amount of material. Given the similarities between these two words, they are synonyms.

Example Question #478 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

VIVID

Possible Answers:

Confusing

Cloudy

Sight

New

Bright

Correct answer:

Bright

Explanation:

The word "vivid" means very bright or lively. "Bright" is the best choice because it is a part of the definition of "vivid." Considering the other choices, "new" is unrelated in meaning to "vivid," "sight" is a noun that means the ability to see, and "cloudy" means foggy or unclear.

Example Question #479 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

BLARING

Possible Answers:

Annoying

Bright

Noisy

Loud

Deafening

Correct answer:

Deafening

Explanation:

The word "blaring" is used to describe a very loud sound. Notice that several options have to do with being loud—"loud," "noisy," and "deafening." It is only the last option that is acceptable. When something is "deafening," it is so loud that it makes you lose your ability to hear. This is much better than the rather standard "loud" and "noisy." If there were no other options, these would be fine; however, it is best to match the intensity and pick "deafening."

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