ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, and Rarity

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #247 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

TALENTED

Possible Answers:

Wealthy

Irregular

Dedicated

Skilled

Famous

Correct answer:

Skilled

Explanation:

A "talent" is a skill or ability that someone has. For example, the ability to play the tuba very well could be said to be a particular talent. We would describe such a person as saying that he or she is a "talented tubist." Thus, the best option among those given is "skilled." When we call someone a "skilled pianist," we mean that he or she is talented at the piano. Now, while such a person may be famous and, perhaps, even rich, being talented means being skilled. The fame and wealth come later if the person is lucky; however, no matter what, he or she will be skilled so long as he or she is talented.

Example Question #248 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

INTRIGUING

Possible Answers:

Fascinating

Famous

Popular

Likeable

Intelligent

Correct answer:

Fascinating

Explanation:

When something is intriguing, it draws your interest. It does not have to be famous or well known. It just needs to be something that is rather interesting. For example, a mysterious doorway with a weird light coming out of it might be called "intriguing". The word "fascinating" is a close synonym for "interesting." Therefore, it is the best option among those given.

Example Question #249 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

ABNORMAL

Possible Answers:

Enticing

Unusual

Astonishing

Embracing

Exciting

Correct answer:

Unusual

Explanation:

The word "abnormal" can be understood from its parts. The "ab-" prefix means away from or even not. Thus, something that is "abnormal" is not normal. When something is unusual, it is not usual. Such a thing does not have to be amazing. For example, every stone in a driveway may be brown. Then, if one is black, it is abnormal. That certainly is unusual for the driveway. It is not, however, amazing!

Example Question #250 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

ADMIRED

Possible Answers:

Amazing

Selective

Respected

Trapped

Communicative

Correct answer:

Respected

Explanation:

Whenever we say that we "admire" someone, we mean that we have a very high opinion of that person. We respect such people for who they are and for what they do. Although such persons are sometimes famous, often they are not. We admire our grandparents, even if few people know them. This means that we respect them, and thus "respected" is the best option.

Example Question #31 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, And Rarity

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

LUXURIOUS

Possible Answers:

Impoverishing

Cheap

Sparkling

Astonishing

Magnificent

Correct answer:

Magnificent

Explanation:

When something is "luxurious," it is expensive and often unnecessary. When we speak of "luxuries," we are often speaking of items that we do not need, though we want them. For example, a very expensive car is a luxury item. We buy it because it is magnificent and wonderful, not merely because it is something that we need. Hence, the word "luxurious" can mean "magnificent" because such luxurious things tend to be very grand.

Example Question #32 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, And Rarity

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

TYPICAL

Possible Answers:

Amazing

Educated

Average

Measured

Surprising

Correct answer:

Average

Explanation:

The word "typical" is related to "type," meaning kind. For example, you could say, "It was the type of day that makes you very cold." This is the kind of day that makes you cold. When something is "typical" it is just as expected. Thus, a "typical winter day" is one that is just how you would expect it to be. It is average or ordinary.  Hence, "average" is the best option.

Example Question #33 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, And Rarity

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

SATISFACTORY

Possible Answers:

Acceptable

Excellent

Graded

Doubtful

Superb

Correct answer:

Acceptable

Explanation:

The word "satisfactory" comes from the Latin for enough. When we are "satisfied," we have had enough of something. When something is "satisfactory," it is good enough. Therefore, the best answer is "acceptable." Several of the options are too positive. You cannot say that something "satisfactory" is "excellent" or "superb."

Example Question #34 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, And Rarity

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

INFERIOR

Possible Answers:

Simple

Unsatisfactory

Enhanced

Alluring

Plain

Correct answer:

Unsatisfactory

Explanation:

The word "inferior" comes from roots that mean below or low. When something is of "inferior quality," it is of poor quality.  The only option that expresses this is "unsatisfactory," which indicates that something is not good enough.

Example Question #35 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, And Rarity

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

UNIVERSAL

Possible Answers:

Thorough

Spatial

Amazing

Surprising

Common

Correct answer:

Common

Explanation:

In science, we use the word "universe" to describe everything that exits. When something is "universal," it is true everywhere. Therefore, you could say, "It is a universal opinion that everyone should brush his or her teeth at night." This means that everyone thinks this. When something is "universal" in this manner, it is common. A "common opinion" is one that is held by almost everyone.

Example Question #36 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, And Rarity

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

PLAIN

Possible Answers:

Ordinary

Depressing

Uncultured

Poor

Shoddy

Correct answer:

Ordinary

Explanation:

When something is "plain" it is not very complex. We might also say that it has "no frills." "Ordinary" things are normal, not too different from whatever is "normal" or "regular." In this sense, we can say that "ordinary" can be a synonym for "plain." Thus, an "ordinary dress" is one that is likely "plain."

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