ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #27 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

TOXIC

Possible Answers:

Sick

Poisonous

Mean

Scary

Magical

Correct answer:

Poisonous

Explanation:

Something that is "toxic" is dangerous because it is a substance that is not tolerated by most organisms, especially the human body. If someone consumes something toxic, that person could get very sick or even die. Something that is "poisonous" has the ability to make an organism very sick or kill it. Given that "poisonous" and "toxic" are synonyms, "poisonous" is the correct answer.

Example Question #28 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

ARID

Possible Answers:

Cold

Hot

Snow

Dry

Wet

Correct answer:

Dry

Explanation:

If somewhere is “arid” that means it is very dry and does not get very much rain. So the desert is very “arid.”

Example Question #461 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RIGOROUS

Possible Answers:

Violent

Hard

Easy

Loud

Serene

Correct answer:

Hard

Explanation:

The word “rigorous” means hard, challenging, or difficult. It is the opposite of “easy.” “Serene” means quiet and peaceful, so it is the opposite of “violent” and “loud” for different reasons.

Example Question #32 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

Each synonyms question is made up of a word in capital letters followed by five choices. Choose the one word that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

WEARY:

Possible Answers:

inflexible

impatient

content

tired

energetic

Correct answer:

tired

Explanation:

When someone feels weary, they are tired and fatigued.

Example Question #33 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

TIRED

Possible Answers:

Energetic

Active

Lively

Drowsy

Correct answer:

Drowsy

Explanation:

The correct answer is "drowsy," which means groggy or sleepy. "Lively," "energetic," and "active" are all opposites of "tired."  "Drowsy" is the only word that means nearly the same thing as "tired."

Example Question #34 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

LISTLESS

Possible Answers:

Forbidden

Unwritten

Lifeless

Wandering

Correct answer:

Lifeless

Explanation:

The word "listless" means having little energy or interest in things. The best choice is "lifeless," which means without energy. Considering the other choices, "unwritten" means not recorded in writing, "wandering" means moving from place to place without a destination, and "forbidden" means not allowed.

Example Question #291 : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

TIRED

Possible Answers:

Exhausted

Hungry

Embellished

Young

Correct answer:

Exhausted

Explanation:

"Tired" is an adjective that means lacking energy or needing to sleep. So, the answer choice closest in meaning to "tired" is "exhausted," an adjective that means drained of bodily resources or tired. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "tired": "hungry" means needing food; "young" means not very old; and "embellished" means having details or additional components that make something more attractive.

Example Question #462 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DROWSY

Possible Answers:

Agile

Excited

Concise

Tired

Painful

Correct answer:

Tired

Explanation:

"Drowsy" means sleepy and exhausted, so "tired" is the correct answer. "Excited" means very eager to do something or interested in something. "Painful" means causing pain or suffering. "Concise" means short and to the point. "Agile" means nimble or able to move swiftly.

Example Question #631 : Synonyms

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

DORMANT

Possible Answers:

Inactive

Scary

Energetic

Awake

Portable

Correct answer:

Inactive

Explanation:

"Dormant" is an adjective that means "not doing anything at this time : not active but able to become active," or "having normal physical functions suspended or slowed down for a period of time; in or as if in a deep sleep." So, neither "awake" nor "energetic" can be the correct answer because each is an antonym of "dormant," not a synonym. "Inactive" is the closest synonym to "dormant" amongst the listed answer choices, so "inactive" is the correct answer.

Example Question #33 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

HECTIC

Possible Answers:

Busy

Determined

Solitary

Radiant

Surprised

Correct answer:

Busy

Explanation:

To have a "hectic" schedule is to have an extremely busy one, so "busy" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, none are close in meaning to "hectic": "solitary" means alone; "radiant" means glowing; "surprised" means astounded or shocked; and "determined" means firmly decided on something.

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