ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives and Adverbs

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #56 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Quantity, And Variety

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

ESTEEMED

Possible Answers:

Significant

Persuasive

Admired

Entangled

Healthy

Correct answer:

Admired

Explanation:

When we talk about "self esteem," we are referring to the sense of self-worth that a person has about himself or herself. To "esteem" something is to hold that thing in high regard. Thus, an "esteemed" thing is something that is admired by others (and perhaps, if it is a person, by himself or herself as well).

Example Question #57 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Quantity, And Variety

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

DEFECTIVE

Possible Answers:

Faulty

Reducing

Protective

Diminishing

Essential

Correct answer:

Faulty

Explanation:

When something is "defective," it does not function as it should. Therefore, a computer keyboard that doesn't have all of its keys could be called "defective," and we could also call a car with a broken engine "defective." Something that is "faulty" is something with problems like this. The word "faulty" does not have to do with personal faults but with general problems or "faults," as when something does not function properly.

Example Question #58 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Quantity, And Variety

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

UNBLEMISHED

Possible Answers:

Brilliant

Immaculate

Visible

Perceptive

Clear

Correct answer:

Immaculate

Explanation:

A blemish is a kind of ugly mark on something, as when someone has a pimple on his or her skin.  Indeed, we will sometimes call such pimples "blemishes." Whenever something is said to be "unblemished" it is like someone who has no imperfection on his or her skin. He or she is perfect—at least as regards the skin. In general, "unblemished" can mean "perfect" or "without any imperfection." The word "immaculate" means just this. The root "-maculate," means "blemished." The "im-" prefix is the not prefix. Hence, "immaculate" means not blemished.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Movement, And Location

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

FLEETING

Possible Answers:

Filthy

Celestial

Short-lived

Blissful

Plentiful

Correct answer:

Short-lived

Explanation:

"Fleeting" means temporary or short-lived, so "short-lived" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "fleeting": "blissful" means very happy or joyful; "celestial" means related to the sky or the heavens; "plentiful" means abundant; and "filthy" means very dirty or disgusting.

Example Question #1300 : Synonyms

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

ABRUPT

Possible Answers:

Tireless

Unexpected

Ongoing

Candid

Continuous

Correct answer:

Unexpected

Explanation:

Something that is "abrupt" is sudden or unexpected, so "unexpected" is the correct answer.

Example Question #381 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Synonyms: Select the word or phrase that best matches the word in capital letters.

SPONTANEOUS

Possible Answers:

Not fair

Not planned

Not recorded

Not over

Not likely

Correct answer:

Not planned

Explanation:

Something that is "spontaneous" is not planned; happens by chance or accident. To provide further guidance, "recorded" means written down or preserved

Example Question #941 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PUNCTUAL

Possible Answers:

Scared

Cautious

Dilatory

Prudish

Prompt

Correct answer:

Prompt

Explanation:

"Punctual" means prompt or on time. Therefore, "prompt" is the proper synonym. 

Example Question #941 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ETERNAL

Possible Answers:

Passive

Never-ending

Jubilant

Illiterate

Pious

Correct answer:

Never-ending

Explanation:

"Eternal" means not having an end or lasting forever, so "never-ending" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "eternal": "illiterate" means not having learned to read or write; "jubilant" means extremely happy and joyful; "passive"  means not active; and "pious" means very religious.

Example Question #942 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ARBITRARY

Possible Answers:

Jaded

Pointed

Inconsistent

Unruly

Surprised

Correct answer:

Inconsistent

Explanation:

"Arbitrary" means unreasonable or undetermined. "Inconsistent" is the best choice because it means contradictory or erratic. When something is "inconsistent," it is constantly changing and therefore cannot be determined. Considering the other choices, "surprised" means shocked or astonished, "jaded" means worn out, and "unruly" means difficult to control.

Example Question #943 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BRISK

Possible Answers:

Forlorn

Leisurely

Quick

Steady

Fierce

Correct answer:

Quick

Explanation:

Something that is "brisk" is best summarized as quick or fast; for example, a "brisk" wind is one that is blustering.  In terms of the other answer choices, "forlorn" means lonely; "steady" means constant; "leisurely" means laidback; and "fierce" means strong or aggressive.

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