ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #63 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MONARCH

Possible Answers:

Lord

Queen

Representative

Knight

President

Correct answer:

Queen

Explanation:

A “monarch” is a king or queen, so "queen" is the correct answer. A “representative” is someone chosen in a democracy to carry out the wishes of the people.

Example Question #17 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

NOVICE

Possible Answers:

Expert

Librarian

Representative

Respondent

Beginner

Correct answer:

Beginner

Explanation:

"Novice" derives from the Latin "novus," which means new, so it makes sense that a "novice" is someone who is new at something, or a "beginner." As for the other answer choices, an “expert” is someone who knows a lot about something and has a lot of experience; a “respondent” is someone who responds to or answers something; and a “representative” is someone who is chosen by the people who carry out their wishes, and a "librarian" is a person who works at and helps run a library.

Example Question #65 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PEER

Possible Answers:

Student

Rival

Boss

Fellow

Mentor

Correct answer:

Fellow

Explanation:

A “peer” is a classmate, someone in your social group. "Fellow," when used as a noun, can mean someone doing the same thing as you are, so it is the answer choice closest in meaning to "peer." 

Example Question #21 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

SPECTATOR

Possible Answers:

Doctor

Illustrator

Witness

Victor

Salesperson

Correct answer:

Witness

Explanation:

"Spectator" is derived from the same Latin roots as "spectacles" (glasses), "spectacle" (something that visually attracts a lot of attention), and "inspection" (an event where an authority figure looks over someone and that person's work). All of these words have something in common: seeing. So, it shouldn't be surprising that "spectator" also has to do with seeing. More specifically, a "spectator" is someone watching something, or a "witness." As for the other answer choices, a “victor” is someone who has won some competition; a “salesperson” is someone who sells something; an “illustrator” is someone who draws pictures to go with written articles or books; and a "doctor" is a medical professional who diagnoses illnesses and injuries to help people recover from them.

Example Question #22 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

NARRATOR

Possible Answers:

Reporter

Character

Reader

Storyteller

Chef

Correct answer:

Storyteller

Explanation:

A “narrator” is a "storyteller." As for the other answer choices, a “witness” is someone who has seen an event, as to “witness” means to see. A "reporter" is someone who researches and writes news stories. While the narrator might be a character in a story if the story is told in first-person perspective (the "I" perspective), a "narrator" is not necessarily a "character," and the words have distinct meanings.

Example Question #233 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

TRAITOR

Possible Answers:

Employee

Vehicle

Backstabber

Businessperson

Ally

Correct answer:

Backstabber

Explanation:

A "traitor" is a person who betrays the trust of another person or organization. A spy who promises to work for one country but secretly sells its secrets to a rival nation could be called a traitor. "Backstabber," similarly, refers to a person who betrayed another. An "ally" is a friend, an "employee" is someone who works for someone else, and a "vehicle" is a moving machine, like a car.

Example Question #241 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

BENEFACTOR

Possible Answers:

Supporter

Narrator 

Antagonist 

Protagonist 

Detractor 

Correct answer:

Supporter

Explanation:

A “benefactor” is someone who supports a cause and contributes money to it. To provide further help, a “detractor” criticizes or takes away from a cause; a “narrator” is a storyteller; the “protagonist” is the hero of a story and the “antagonist” is the villain of the story

Example Question #68 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RASCAL

Possible Answers:

Professor

Scoundrel

Delegate

Genius

Governor

Correct answer:

Scoundrel

Explanation:

A "rascal" is a troublemaker, a scoundrel. To provide further help, a "genius" is someone who is very clever; a "governor" is a political figure elected to govern a state; a "delegate" is someone chosen to represent the interests of a group of people

Example Question #23 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

INTRUDER

Possible Answers:

Burglar

Robber

Criminal

Legality

Invader

Correct answer:

Invader

Explanation:

The word "intrude" literally means to push oneself into. Thus, you could "intrude on a conversation" by jumping into the conversation even if you aren't actually welcome. Often, we speak of an "intruder" as someone who breaks into a house. Now, such a person is almost certainly a criminal; however, the word "intruder" most directly means someone who goes into a place without being invited or permitted in. Therefore, the best option is "invader." When someone invades an area, he or she enters it without being welcomed. This is the best meaning among the options given.

Example Question #72 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BURGLAR

Possible Answers:

Invader

Criminal

Thief

Prisoner

Villain

Correct answer:

Thief

Explanation:

Sometimes, you should be very careful just to go with your first idea for an answer. Almost everyone knows the word "burglar," meaning someone who steals from another person; however, with some of the options like "prisoner" and "criminal," you might start to wonder if you need to choose something other than "thief." Don't be tricked! "Thief" is the correct answer!

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors