ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #31 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

RELUCTANT

Possible Answers:

Demonic 

Cantankerous

Susceptible 

Enthused 

Unwilling 

Correct answer:

Unwilling 

Explanation:

“Reluctant” means not willing, so "unwilling" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "reluctant": “cantankerous” means grumpy; “enthused” means excited; “demonic” means marked by qualities of the devil or of demons; “susceptible” means vulnerable or in danger from something specific.

Example Question #32 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

HOSTILE

Possible Answers:

Lively

Courteous

Complicated

Hateful

Correct answer:

Hateful

Explanation:

The word "hostile" means not friendly or like an enemy. The best choice is "hateful," which means expressing hate or dislike of something. Considering the other choices, "complicated" means difficult to understand, "courteous" means polite, and "lively" means energetic.

Example Question #33 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CANTANKEROUS

Possible Answers:

Gassy

Full

Tired

Round

Grouchy

Correct answer:

Grouchy

Explanation:

The word "cantankerous" means hard to deal with or ill-tempered. The best choice is "grouchy," which shares the same definition.

Example Question #34 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SUSPICIOUS

Possible Answers:

Reliable

Definite

Precise

Unsure

Unsatisfied

Correct answer:

Unsure

Explanation:

"Suspicious" means to be "unsure" or uncertain that someone or something is what that person or thing appears or claims to be. This differs from "unsatisfied," which means not content; "reliable," which means responsible; "precise," which means exact; and "definite," which means certain.

Example Question #35 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AGGRAVATING

Possible Answers:

Terrorizing

Spiteful 

Angry

Anxious

Frustrating

Correct answer:

Frustrating

Explanation:

"Aggravating" means exasperating. Similarly, "frustrating" means bothersome or annoying. These words are very similar, and therefore are synonyms.

Example Question #36 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DISGRUNTLED

Possible Answers:

Wrinkled

Disorderly

Upset

Frustrated

Obnoxious

Correct answer:

Upset

Explanation:

To be "disgruntled" means to be dissatisfied and unhappy. To be "upset" means to be in a state of dismay. Given how similar in meaning "disgruntled" and "upset" are, "upset" is the correct answer.

Example Question #31 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

FURIOUS

Possible Answers:

Jealous

Angry

Humorous

Happy

Sad

Correct answer:

Angry

Explanation:

If you are “furious,” you are very angry. Something that is “humorous” is very funny. If you are “jealous,” it means you want something that someone else has.

Example Question #32 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

SURLY

Possible Answers:

Important

Furious

Sulky

Contemporary

Brawny

Correct answer:

Sulky

Explanation:

"Surly" means sullenuncivil, and unsmiling, so "sulky," an adjective that means brooding, petulant, and in a bad mood, is the correct answer. If you confused "surly" with "burly" (physically strong and stocky) you may have picked "brawny" (physically strong and muscular) as your answer. "Contemporary," when used as an adjective, means existing at the same time as something else in the past or having to do with the modern day. "Furious" means very angry and "important" means deserving of attention or pressing.

Example Question #33 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

NONCHALANT

Possible Answers:

Emotional

Caring

Interested

Gracious

Unconcerned

Correct answer:

Unconcerned

Explanation:

If someone is nonchalant about a test grade, it means he or she is unconcerned or aloof.  Nonchalant is defined as laid back or not easily excited.

Example Question #34 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

ELATED

Possible Answers:

Ecstatic

Associated

Astonished

Strengthened

Connected

Correct answer:

Ecstatic

Explanation:

Two of the wrong options attempt to have you confuse "elated" with "related." (These wrong options are "connected" and "associated".) To be "elated", however, is to be very happy. The word "ecstatic" means just this as well. It actually comes from root words meaning standing outside. Have you ever heard someone say, "She was beside herself with joy!" This means the person was almost "outside" herself because of her strong feelings. To be "ecstatic" is to be very happy in this way.

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