ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #27 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

BASHFUL

Possible Answers:

Kin

Industrious 

Shy

Luxurious

Independent

Correct answer:

Shy

Explanation:

"Bashful" means shy and easily embarrassed, so "shy" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "bashful": "industrious" means hard-working; "independent" means alone or able to look after oneself; "kin" means family members; and "luxurious" means expensive and comfortable.

Example Question #28 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

ADAMANT

Possible Answers:

Insistent

Meek 

Timid 

Proud 

Shy 

Correct answer:

Insistent

Explanation:

Something you are "adamant" about is something you are certain of and insistent about, so "insistent" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, "meek" and "timid" are synonyms and both mean shy.

Example Question #29 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

OPTIMISTIC

Possible Answers:

Courageous

Swift

Positive

Frequent

Negative

Correct answer:

Positive

Explanation:

"Optimistic" means positive or having a good outlook on the future. "Negative" is the antonym; it means expecting a poor outcome in the future. As for the other answer choices, "frequent" means happening many times or happening often, "courageous" means bold or brave, and "swift" means agile or quick.

Example Question #811 : Identifying Synonyms

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

UNRULY

Possible Answers:

Modern

Rowdy

Toxic

Contagious

Sympathetic

Correct answer:

Rowdy

Explanation:

"Unruly" means disorderly or rowdy, so "rowdy" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "unruly": "sympathetic" means showing sympathy or compassion; "toxic" means poisonous; "modern" means new and contemporary; and "contagious" means spreading easily from person to person and usually refers to illnesses or diseases.

Example Question #812 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FAITHFUL

Possible Answers:

Disloyal

Mendacity 

Defamatory 

Forcible 

Devoted

Correct answer:

Devoted

Explanation:

“Faithful” means devoted or loyal, so "devoted" is the correct answer. To provide further help, “disloyal” means not loyal, “mendacity” is another term for dishonesty or lying, “forcible” means aggressive, and “defamatory” means insulting and slanderous and is used to refer to information that is rude and probably not true.

Example Question #813 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.

PASSIONATE

Possible Answers:

Appetizing

Emotional

False

Engaged

Correct answer:

Emotional

Explanation:

"Passionate" is defined as showing or caused by strong feelings or strong beliefs. The best answer choice is "emotional," since those who are "emotional" display intense feelings and are often described as being "passionate."

Example Question #814 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SHREWD

Possible Answers:

Bland

Clever

Foolish

Exciting

Correct answer:

Clever

Explanation:

A "shrewd" individual is perceptive; he or she is quick-witted and skilled at using thinking to solve problems. In other words, a shrewd person is "clever." "Foolish" is clearly an incorrect choice; "bland" means tasteless or boring, and "exciting" refers to an event that causes people to become eager or excited.

Example Question #815 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CAPTIVATING

Possible Answers:

Pointless

Quick

Fascinating

Drab

Correct answer:

Fascinating

Explanation:

A "captivating" person grabs the interest of others and keeps it. When describing someone like this, one might use the phrase "can't tear my eyes away," meaning that it is very difficult to ignore that person. Here, the answer choice with the most similar meaning is "fascinating." "Drab" usually describes something that is dull or boring; "pointless" means meaningless, and "quick" is another word for fast.

Example Question #816 : Identifying Synonyms

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

JOCULAR

Possible Answers:

Humorous

Smart

Tired

Exasperated

Correct answer:

Humorous

Explanation:

The adjective "jocular" describes someone who tends to make jokes or act lighthearted. "Humorous," another term for funny, is the proper choice. You likely already know the meanings of "tired" and "smart," and therefore know that neither word refers to a playful or joking manner. Finally, "exasperated" is a good word to know, though not the correct answer. You've probably felt "exasperated" when you've been annoyed by an irritating situation that has gone on for too long.

Example Question #817 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DILIGENT

Possible Answers:

Attentive

Negligent

Heedless

Apathetic

Correct answer:

Attentive

Explanation:

"Diligent" means putting one's whole effort into carefully doing something. "Attentive," meaning demonstrating careful thought or observation, is the best match.

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