ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives and Adverbs

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #311 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

HAZARDOUS

Possible Answers:

Welcoming

Unnerving

Urging

Dangerous

Encouraging

Correct answer:

Dangerous

Explanation:

A "hazard" is a danger, so something that is "hazardous" is dangerous. To provide further help, "unnerving" means troubling, worrying; "urging" means begging, pleading.

Example Question #312 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PARTICULAR

Possible Answers:

Achieving

Incomplete

Lazy

Distinct

Dirty

Correct answer:

Distinct

Explanation:

For the word particular, do not be confused by the "part" portion of the word. The word "particular" is not primarily concerned with being a part (in contrast to being a whole). Instead, something is particular when it is specific. For example, whenever you say, "I have a particular color in mind," this means that you actually have a specific color picked out. You are not undecided. Thus, the best option given here is "distinct."  Something that is particular is also distinct. The word can also be used to describe someone who is very picky.  A person who is "very particular" is very picky—he or she wants something very distinct. 

Example Question #313 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

HILARIOUS

Possible Answers:

Amusing

Hysterical

Joyful

Humorous

Foolish

Correct answer:

Hysterical

Explanation:

Whenever something is "hilarious," that thing is very funny. For this question, the best option will stress the very. That is, the best option will be one that expresses the idea that a hilarious thing is not merely "amusing" or "funny." It is, instead, "hysterical"—very amusing.

Example Question #314 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

ENTICING

Possible Answers:

Attractive

Surprising

Examined

Immoral

Despicable

Correct answer:

Attractive

Explanation:

Whenever something is "enticing," it draws your attention and makes you desire it. Sometimes, we talk about one person enticing another person to do something or go somewhere. Whenever someone or something entices you, it "invites" you to come closer to it. Put another way, we can say that it "attracts" you. Hence, "attractive" is a good synonym for "enticing."

Example Question #315 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

OCCASIONAL

Possible Answers:

Infamous

Timed

Planned

Random

Reliable

Correct answer:

Random

Explanation:

Whenever something happens "occasionally," it does not happen on a regular schedule. It is an irregular occurrence. Hence, you could say, "Rupert's occasional remarks about politics annoyed his family, but they were thankful that he didn't talk about the topic much." To be "occasional" is to happen "only on occasion." (Related words help us to memorize, of course!) Thus, the only option that expresses this idea of being irregular is "random."

Example Question #316 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

EXPANSIVE

Possible Answers:

Flowing

Extensive

Overweight

Examined

Expecting

Correct answer:

Extensive

Explanation:

Whenever something is expansive, it covers a large region—either physically or metaphorically. Thus, "expansive" knowledge of a topic is a very broad knowledge, covering many aspects of the topic. An "expansive" plot of land is a very large territory. Thus, the best option among those provided here is "extensive."

Example Question #317 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

FOREIGN

Possible Answers:

Uncivilized

Wild

Exotic

Ancient

Notorious

Correct answer:

Exotic

Explanation:

When something is "foreign," it is distant, removed, and likely unknown. A foreign country is a country that is not your own country. Sometimes, you can use the word to describe more conceptual things. For instance, if someone does not know anything about a topic, we sometimes say, "That was a foreign notion to him or her." The only option that expresses this kind of foreignness is the word "exotic."

Example Question #318 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

RECLUSIVE

Possible Answers:

Intelligent

Reflective

Contemplative

Secluded

Ponderous

Correct answer:

Secluded

Explanation:

Something that is "reclusive" is something that is isolated away from other things. When a person is described as being "reclusive," that person lives in a solitary manner, away from other people. "Seclusion" is the state of being isolated in this manner. Hence, it is an acceptable synonym.  A good example of "reclusive" in a sentence would be, "The old man decided that he wanted to live his last days in a reclusive manner, staying in his house and reading the books that he loved, undisturbed by other people."

Example Question #319 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

OMNIPOTENT

Possible Answers:

Unconquerable

Capable

Powerful

Able

Sturdy

Correct answer:

Unconquerable

Explanation:

The word "omnipotent" comes from the combination of the prefix "omni-", meaning all or totally, and the base "-potent," meaning powerful. Whenever someone is described as being "all-powerful," that person is not merely capable or able to do things. He or she is utterly unstoppable. Therefore, the best option provided here is "unconquerable."

Example Question #320 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DISTURBANCE

Possible Answers:

Infuriation

Hatred

Deliverance

Agitation

Illegality 

Correct answer:

Agitation

Explanation:

A "disturbance" is something that interrupts the normal status of things. It is the result of the action of "disturbing." Thus, a disturbance could be a loud sound in a quiet neighborhood but also could be a riot that causes a city to shut down because of the violence. Indeed, even agitated emotions can be a disturbance, as when someone gets very angry about things and then cannot think clearly.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors