ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #51 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

STERN

Possible Answers:

Pompous

Envious

Serious

Fair

Unkind

Correct answer:

Serious

Explanation:

Someone who is “stern” is very strict and serious, so "stern" is closest in meaning to “severe,” a word that means very serious.

Example Question #1011 : Synonyms

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

WITTY

Possible Answers:

Clever

Desirable

Spontaneous

Difficult

Silly

Correct answer:

Clever

Explanation:

Someone who is "witty" is able to say clever things that are funny and entertaining. Therefore, "clever" is the correct answer.

Example Question #1012 : Synonyms

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

GREGARIOUS

Possible Answers:

Rude

Shy

talkative

Introspective

Eager

Correct answer:

talkative

Explanation:

Do you have a friend who is always happiest in large groups, or loves to talk to others more than anything else? Such a person would be "gregarious," or extremely social. "Talkative" certainly shares a similar meaning, so it is our correct choice. "Shy" is the opposite of "gregarious," and the same goes for "introspective," or deeply thoughtful and reflective. Finally, a "rude" person is impolite, not necessarily social or talkative.

Example Question #1013 : Synonyms

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

BASHFUL

Possible Answers:

Resilient

Active

Prudent

Corrupt

Timid

Correct answer:

Timid

Explanation:

We would use the adjective "bashful" to describe someone who is nervous around others and would likely avoid being noticed whenever possible. In other words, "bashful" is synonymous with "shy" or "timid," and we have found our answer! Just to be thorough, let's take a look at the three incorrect choices. "Resilient" refers to the quality of being strong or able to endure hardship. "Active" can either relate to physical exercise or simply mean busy, and a "corrupt" individual acts dishonestly or otherwise immorally, especially in a position of power. None of these choices relate to the term "bashful" at all, so "timid" should be our final choice.

Example Question #1014 : Synonyms

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

HUMOROUS

Possible Answers:

Funny

Lonely

Tough

Soft

Sad

Correct answer:

Funny

Explanation:

The word “humorous” means funny, so "funny" is the correct answer. The word “lonely” means feeling sad about being by yourself.

Example Question #1015 : Synonyms

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

SINCERE

Possible Answers:

Genuine

Proud

Immoral

Bold

Optimistic

Correct answer:

Genuine

Explanation:

To be “sincere” means honest and truthful. It can also be used to describe an effort that is heartfelt as opposed to merely feigned. "Genuine" is thus the answer choice closest in meaning to "sincere," as it is close in meaning to this second usage. While "sincere" contains the syllable "sin," it does not derive from any word meaning "sin"; however, this may have encouraged you to pick "immoral," a synonym of "sinful," as your answer. As for the other terms, "bold" means brazen and undaunted; and "proud" means taking pleasure from what one has accomplished; and "optimistic" means choosing to see the future in a positive, hopeful light.

Example Question #1016 : Synonyms

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

AUDACIOUS

Possible Answers:

Cautious

Reserved

Brazen

Overbearing

Humble

Correct answer:

Brazen

Explanation:

"Audacious" means showing a shameless lack of fear. "Brazen" also means shameless and courageous, so "brazen" is the correct answer.

Example Question #1017 : Synonyms

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

POMPOUS

Possible Answers:

Delectable

Careless

Arrogant

Sluggish

Surly

Correct answer:

Arrogant

Explanation:

Pompous means proud and arrogant. To further help you, surly means rude and grumpy; delectable means very tasty; sluggish means lacking energy.

Example Question #1018 : Synonyms

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

GRACIOUS

Possible Answers:

Polite

Sociable

Potent

Rude

Impotent

Correct answer:

Polite

Explanation:

The word "gracious" is used to describe someone who is polite. Often it is used to describe someone who is polite in victory or defeat, someone who is friendly after the end of a competition. To provide further help, "sociable" means talkative, friendly; "potent" means powerful and "impotent" means not powerful. Notice the impact of the prefix im-

Example Question #1019 : Synonyms

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

DEVOTED

Possible Answers:

Friendly

Forgotten

Religious

Regular

Loyal

Correct answer:

Loyal

Explanation:

A devoted person is someone who is loyal and caring.  The verb "to devote" is used to describe spending one's time on a given task. For example, we could say, "He devoted many hours to helping his mother bake cookies for Christmas."  The adjective "devoted" expresses some of this same sense of "being involved;" however, it takes on the idea of being loyal. Thus, we would say something like, "He was a devoted friend, always ready to help in even the most difficult of times."

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