ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #421 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ADMIRED

Possible Answers:

Respected

Trapped

Communicative

Selective

Amazing

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 #422 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LUXURIOUS

Possible Answers:

Cheap

Sparkling

Magnificent

Impoverishing

Astonishing

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 #423 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TYPICAL

Possible Answers:

Measured

Average

Surprising

Amazing

Educated

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 #424 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SATISFACTORY

Possible Answers:

Graded

Excellent

Superb

Acceptable

Doubtful

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 #425 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INFERIOR

Possible Answers:

Alluring

Simple

Enhanced

Unsatisfactory

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 #426 : Identifying Synonyms

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

UNIVERSAL

Possible Answers:

Amazing

Common

Thorough

Spatial

Surprising

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 #427 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PLAIN

Possible Answers:

Uncultured

Poor

Shoddy

Depressing

Ordinary

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."

Example Question #428 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FOUL

Possible Answers:

surprising

Domesticated

Expensive

Lazy

Disgusting

Correct answer:

Disgusting

Explanation:

The word "foul" can have a number of different uses. It generally describes something that is very negative. Thus, a "foul mood" is a very bad mood. A "foul person" is someone who is very nasty. Something that is "foul" can also be something very rotten. Thus, "foul meat" is very rotten meat. From this, the word "foul" can also be used to describe the very strong odor or ugly appearance of the thing. Therefore, it can take on the meaning, "Disgusting." This is the sense in which it is being used here.  

Example Question #421 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PROSPEROUS

Possible Answers:

Invested

Famous

Popular

Respected

Thriving

Correct answer:

Thriving

Explanation:

Whenever someone prospers, he or she is doing well for himself or herself. Thus, a prosperous business owner is someone who has developed his or her business very extensively. Often, this means that the person who is prosperous has become wealthy.  None of these options deal with wealth directly. However, "thriving" is a good synonym for "prosperous." A "thriving" business is a "prosperous" business.

Example Question #422 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FORGED

Possible Answers:

Criminal

Stolen

Faked

Illegal

Extorted

Correct answer:

Faked

Explanation:

Do not be tempted by the fact that "forged" documents are often illegal. The act of "forgery" is the act of faking something, making it look as though it were official or true. For example, we can forge a signature, signing a document so that it looks like someone else actually signed it. This is a kind of "faking." Hence, the best option is "faked."

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