ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #31 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

EXPLOSIVE

Possible Answers:

Rapid

Terrorism

Obvious

Secretive

Frightening

Correct answer:

Rapid

Explanation:

We tend to use the word "explosive" to think of things that physically explode—often with very dangerous and fiery consequences; however, think of what explosions are like. They are very sudden things. Quickly, some small item blasts outward—it explodes. Sometimes, we speak of "explosive" things metaphorically, like an "explosive population growth in ducks." This means that the ducks have suddenly had a significant increase in population. Although some of the other options are somehow related to the general notion of explosions, only "sudden" is a proper synonym.

Example Question #32 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

LOFTY

Possible Answers:

Noble

Uneven

Hilly 

Windy

Emphatic

Correct answer:

Noble

Explanation:

You perhaps have heard the word "lofty" used to describe something that is physically very tall. This is the most obvious and standard meaning of the word; however, this idea of being "high up" can also apply to less material things. For instance, someone can have very "lofty goals" or very "lofty intentions." This means that he or she has chosen a very noble or praiseworthy set of goals or intentions. Such goals or intentions are "above" other goals and intentions in a metaphorical sense.

Example Question #33 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

IMPLY

Possible Answers:

Conceal

Hide

Involve

Forget

Deliver

Correct answer:

Involve

Explanation:

The most tempting wrong options for this questions are likely "conceal" and "hide." When something is "implicit", it is not completely clear and out in the open. Implicit meanings are things that are not directly stated, though they are "really there." For example, someone might say something like, "Oh yes, it is wonderful that you are here." That person's tone might imply that he or she is actually angry. To imply something, however, is not to hide it. Now, you can also use the word to mean, "involve." It especially can indicate that one thing will be the consequence of something else. Thus, you could say, "The heavy rains imply that there will likely be heavy floods."

Example Question #34 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

HEALTHY

Possible Answers:

Normal

Operable

Amazing

Medicinal

Elegant

Correct answer:

Normal

Explanation:

The word "healthy" can be used to describe someone's state of physical well-being. It can also just mean "normal" or "enough." For example, you can say that someone has a "healthy appetite." This person has a normal appetite—instead of having one that is sickly and very small. Also, you could say, "He had a healthy suspicion about gambling." This means that the person has a reasonable and normal suspicion about gambling, which is a risk business after all!

Example Question #35 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

MAJORITY

Possible Answers:

Most

Important 

Bulky 

Large

Minority 

Correct answer:

Most

Explanation:

"Majority" means more than 50%, or the group with the most members in a given vote or debate. It is the opposite of "minority," which therefore cannot be the correct answer. The right answer is "most," because "most" means more than half. Thus, majority and most are synonyms. While "majority" can sometimes be used as a noun, it can also be used as an adjective. ("The majority of the population" is an example of it being used as a noun, while "the majority vote" is an example of it being used as an adjective.)

Example Question #36 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

MAJORITY

Possible Answers:

Bulky

Large

Most

Important

Minority

Correct answer:

Most

Explanation:

"Majority" means more than 50%, or the group with the most members in a given vote or debate. It is the opposite of "minority," which therefore cannot be the correct answer. The right answer is "most," because "most" means more than half. Thus, majority and most are synonyms. While "majority" can sometimes be used as a noun, it can also be used as an adjective. ("The majority of the population" is an example of it being used as a noun, while "the majority vote" is an example of it being used as an adjective.)

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