ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, or Location

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #121 : Synonyms: Verbs

Choose the best synonym for the following word:

HOARD

Possible Answers:

Decipher

Find

Hide

Collect

Harness

Correct answer:

Collect

Explanation:

Hoard means to find and keep large amounts of certain types of objects. Collect means to form a grouping of particular items. Thus, given how similar these words are, they are synonyms for one another. 

Example Question #41 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location

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

REFINE

Possible Answers:

Glorify

Regard

Observe

Reward

Improve

Correct answer:

Improve

Explanation:

When you "refine" something, it means that you "improve" it compared to its original condition. This differs from "glorify," which means to raise in status; "regard," which means to see or think of someone in a certain way; and "reward," which means to give compensation for a job well done.

Example Question #42 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location

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

PLUNGE

Possible Answers:

Clear

Greet

Hurl

Dive

Clean

Correct answer:

Dive

Explanation:

The word "plunge" has a range of meanings, but all of them have to do with falling in one way or another.  When the prices of something plunge, they fall quickly and greatly. When you plunge a knife into a tomato, you press it into ("down into") its surface. Likewise, when you go for a swim and dive into the water, you plunge down into the water.  It is in this sense that the word is being used here, so the best option is "dive," which alone is a good synonym for "plunge."

Example Question #43 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location

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

DETAIN

Possible Answers:

Permit

Hold

Release

Assess

Result

Correct answer:

Hold

Explanation:

To “detain” someone or something means to hold him or her in a specific location without letting them leave. It is usually used when someone has done something bad and someone else has to “detain" that person. The word “release” means to let go and is an opposite of “detain.” The word “assess” means to try to understand by considering all of the factors of something. To “result” means to happen as an effect of something.

Example Question #44 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location

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

SUFFOCATING

Possible Answers:

Lying

Killing

Evil 

Smothering

Pessimistic

Correct answer:

Smothering

Explanation:

"Suffocating" refers to the act of preventing another person from breathing, but can also be used figuratively to describe the act of overwhelming another person. Similarly, "smothering" can refer to the physical act of covering another person's airways, or be used figuratively to describe oppressing someone. Given that these words are so similar, they are synonyms. Additionally, both words can be used as either verbs or adjectives.

Example Question #45 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location

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

LEND

Possible Answers:

Take

Loan

Force

Give

Invest

Correct answer:

Loan

Explanation:

To "lend" something means to allow another person to use an item for a limited time and then return it to you. To "give" something means to allow someone to become the permanent owner of something you own, for free. "Give" has a different meaning than "lend," so it is not the correct answer. "Loan," however, is similar in meaning to "lend" because it also means to allow another person to have temporary possession of an item.

Example Question #46 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location

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

BARTER

Possible Answers:

Debate

Trade

Follow

Encourage

Discover

Correct answer:

Trade

Explanation:

To "barter" means to exchange one good for another good. To "trade" means to swap one item for another item. Given that these two words have the same meaning, they are synonyms.

Example Question #47 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location

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

DAMAGE

Possible Answers:

Hurt

Perceive

Scare

Free

Support

Correct answer:

Hurt

Explanation:

The word “damage” means harm when used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb meaning to harm or to destroy. This means it is closest in meaning to the word “hurt.” As for the other answer choices, the word “support” means to give help to; "free" means set free; "scare" means cause to feel afraid; and "perceive" means notice.

Example Question #48 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location

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

CLASP

Possible Answers:

Grab

Stumble

Throw

Cancel

Sprint

Correct answer:

Grab

Explanation:

To “clasp” means to grab onto. You might “clasp” something that has been “thrown” at you. The word “sprint” means run fast, and “stumble” means to trip but recover one's balance before falling.

Example Question #49 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location

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

SALVAGE

Possible Answers:

Demand

Secede

Recover

Summon

Argue

Correct answer:

Recover

Explanation:

To “salvage” means to find or rescue something, especially something that was lost at sea. It is not limited just to that specific situation, though: you can salvage a piece of metal from a shipwreck, but you can also salvage a situation. So, "recover" is the correct answer, as "recover" can mean retrieve something that was lost. The word “summon” means call for or send for; to “secede” means formally leave a group; and “demand” means forcibly ask for, as if the person being asked has no other option.

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