ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms: Nouns

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #9 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

A synonym of "prejudice" is __________.

Possible Answers:

fact

friendship

preconception

spoils

prudence

Correct answer:

preconception

Explanation:

"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 . . .

Possible Answers:

metal

greatness

praise

mockery

opinion

Correct answer:

mockery

Explanation:

"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 __________.

Possible Answers:

insult

lie

emotion

precedence

speech

Correct answer:

precedence

Explanation:

"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 __________.

Possible Answers:

message

frequency

disruption

intention

calm

Correct answer:

disruption

Explanation:

"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" __________.

Possible Answers:

management

mettle

education

openness

inclination

Correct answer:

inclination

Explanation:

"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 __________.

Possible Answers:

deference

capability

intent

business

competitor

Correct answer:

capability

Explanation:

"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 __________.

Possible Answers:

power

bias

faith

convex

construe

Correct answer:

faith

Explanation:

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 __________.

Possible Answers:

arrival

welcome

indifference

mission

concern

Correct answer:

indifference

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Attitude

Community

Chance

Relationship

Canal

Correct answer:

Chance

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Charity

Human

Love

Island

Correct answer:

Charity

Explanation:

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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