ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #911 : Identifying Synonyms

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

JAGGED

Possible Answers:

Rough

Level

Even

Flat

Correct answer:

Rough

Explanation:

The correct answer is "rough." Both "rough" and "jagged" mean having a coarse, uneven surface. The other words all mean smooth, so they are antonyms, or opposites, of "jagged."

Example Question #912 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EDIBLE

Possible Answers:

Digestible

Nutritious

Delicious

Decadent

Correct answer:

Digestible

Explanation:

The correct answer is "digestible." "Edible" and "digestible" both mean able to be eaten. The other words have to do with food, but do not have to do with the ability of something to be eaten.

Example Question #913 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TEPID

Possible Answers:

Clever

Deep

Scold

Lukewarm

Correct answer:

Lukewarm

Explanation:

"Tepid" means moderately warm. The best choice is "lukewarm" because it also means moderately warm. Considering the other choices, "scold" means find fault with angrily and verbally"clever" means intelligent or witty, and "deep" means extending far beneath the surface.

Example Question #914 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

EDIBLE

Possible Answers:

Able to be eaten 

Able to be tasted

Able to be seen 

Able to be drunk 

Able to be heard 

Correct answer:

Able to be eaten 

Explanation:

"Edible" means able to be eaten. Notice the suffix "-ible," which suggests that a word means able to be something. Watch for suffix and prefix patterns in English, as they can help you figure out the meanings of words you have not seen before.

Example Question #915 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DRY

Possible Answers:

Arid

Moist

Daring

Feisty

Correct answer:

Arid

Explanation:

"Dry" is defined as without moisture or liquid. Since "arid" climates are characterized as dry and having little rain, "arid" is the best answer choice. "Moist" is an antonym of "dry."

Example Question #916 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RIGID

Possible Answers:

Loose

Firm

Adaptable

Elastic

Sufficient

Correct answer:

Firm

Explanation:

Something that is "rigid" is stiff or firm, so "firm" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "rigid": "adaptable" means able to adjust oneself to fit a given situation; "sufficient" means enough; "elastic" means flexible; and "loose" means not tightly secured or baggy in fit.

Example Question #917 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HOLLOW

Possible Answers:

Brave

Many

Continous

Empty

Filled

Correct answer:

Empty

Explanation:

"Hollow" means empty.

Example Question #918 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PLIABLE

Possible Answers:

Flexible

Unyielding

Honest

Askew

Routine

Correct answer:

Flexible

Explanation:

The adjective "pliable" describes the quality of being easy to bend; a pliable material, therefore, is not stiff or "unyielding." Instead, it is "flexible," which is our correct synonym. The two remaining answer choices, though also adjectives in at least some cases, are unrelated to this term. "Askew" refers to the quality of being crooked, as in a poster that is hung at a slant on the wall. "Routine," our final choice, can describe an activity that is unremarkable or part of a regular schedule. Note that "routine" can also be used as a noun, as in our "daily routine." Finally, "honest" means truthful.

Example Question #919 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RIGID

Possible Answers:

Tireless

Common

Variable

Stiff

Dormant

Correct answer:

Stiff

Explanation:

A material like steel is inflexible and would be considered rigid.  Thus, the best way to characterize something rigid is to term it as stiff.

Example Question #920 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FIRM

Possible Answers:

Textured

Stiff

Fresh

Soft

Mean

Correct answer:

Stiff

Explanation:

Something that is "firm" holds its form easily and is difficult to bend out of shape. The word that best reflects this characteristic as a synonym is therefore "stiff," which means inflexible. The other answer choices are unrelated to the word "firm."

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