All ISEE Lower Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #9 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
A synonym of "prejudice" is __________.
fact
friendship
preconception
spoils
prudence
preconception
"Prejudice" is a word that when used as a noun defined as "preconceived opinion that is not based on reason or actual experience" or "dislike, hostility, or unjust behavior formed on such a basis." So, neither "fact" nor "friendship" can be the correct answer, because they are each an antonym of "prejudice." "Preconception," however, is a noun that means "a preconceived idea or prejudice," and because "preconception" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "prejudice," "preconception" is the correct answer.
Example Question #10 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
A synonym of "travesty" is . . .
metal
greatness
praise
mockery
opinion
mockery
"Travesty" is a word that when used as a noun, means "a false, absurd, or distorted representation of something," and when used as a verb, means "to represent something in such a way." So, "praise" cannot be the correct answer because to "praise" something is to say good things about it, while to "travesty" it is "to produce a false, absurd, or distorted representation of something." "Mockery," however, is a noun that means either "derision; ridicule," or "an absurd misrepresentation or imitation of something." Because "mockery" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "travesty," "mockery" is the correct answer.
Example Question #91 : Synonyms: Nouns
A synonym of "priority" is __________.
insult
lie
emotion
precedence
speech
precedence
"Priority" is a noun that can mean "a thing that is regarded as more important than another," "the fact or condition of being regarded or treated as more important," or "the right to take precedence or to proceed before others." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "greater importance." "Precedence" is a noun that means "the condition of being considered more important than someone or something else; priority in importance, order, or rank," and because it is the answer choice that is closest in meaning to "priority," "precedence" is the correct answer.
Example Question #92 : Synonyms: Nouns
A synonym of "disturbance" is __________.
message
frequency
disruption
intention
calm
disruption
"Disturbance" is a noun that means "the interruption of a settled and peaceful condition," so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "an interruption." "Calm," then, cannot be the correct answer, because when used as a noun, "calm" means "the absence of violent or confrontational activity within a place or group," making it an antonym of "disturbance," not a synonym. "Disruption," however, is a noun that means "disturbance or problems that interrupt an event, activity, or process," and because "disruption" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "disturbance," "disruption" is the correct answer.
Example Question #93 : Synonyms: Nouns
A synonym of "instinct" __________.
management
mettle
education
openness
inclination
inclination
"Instinct" is a noun that means either "an innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior in animals in response to certain stimuli" or "a natural or intuitive way of acting or thinking." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "an intuitive way of acting or thinking." "Education" cannot be the correct answer, then, because "education" means "the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, esp. at a school or university," meaning that the knowledge one receives when one gets an education is not innate or intuitive, like instinct. "Inclination," however, is a noun that means "a person's natural tendency or urge to act or feel in a particular way; a disposition or propensity," and because "inclination" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "instinct," "inclination" is the correct answer.
Example Question #94 : Synonyms: Nouns
A synonym of "competence" is __________.
deference
capability
intent
business
competitor
capability
"Competence" is a noun that means "the ability to do something successfully or efficiently," so we need to pick out a noun that means something like "the ability to do something successfully." While "competitor" and "competence" may each start with the syllable "com-", "competitor" is a noun that means either "an organization or country that is engaged in commercial or economic competition with others" or "a person who takes part in an athletic contest." So, "competitor" does not mean the same thing as "competence," so "competitor" cannot be the correct answer. "Capability," however, is a noun that means "power or ability," and because "capability" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "competence," "capability" is the correct answer.
Example Question #15 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
A synonym of "conviction" is __________.
power
bias
faith
convex
construe
faith
Conviction is often used to mean a strong belief, and is a noun; therefore "faith," a noun also referring to holding a firm belief in something, is the correct answer.
Example Question #95 : Synonyms: Nouns
A synonym of "apathy" is __________.
arrival
welcome
indifference
mission
concern
indifference
"Apathy" is a noun that means "lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern," so we need to pick out a noun that means something like "lack of interest." "Concern," then, cannot be the correct answer, because "concern" means "anxiety; worry," or "a matter of interest or importance to someone," making it an antonym, not a synonym, of "apathy." (Plus, "apathy" specifically means "lack of . . . concern," so it cannot mean the same thing as "concern.") "Indifference," however, is a noun that means "lack of interest, concern, or sympathy" or "unimportance," and because "indifference" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "apathy," "indifference is the correct answer.
Example Question #96 : Synonyms: Nouns
Synonyms: choose the answer closest in meaning to the word in question.
Opportunity
Attitude
Community
Chance
Relationship
Canal
Chance
"Opportunity" means chance.
Example Question #96 : Synonyms: Nouns
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
PHILANTHROPY
Charity
Human
Love
Island
Charity
Another word for "philanthropy" is "charity." Both words mean generosity in donating things or money to people who need them. "Charity" is the best choice because it is a synonym of "philanthropy."
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