ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, and Sensory Imagery

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #51 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

COVERT

Possible Answers:

Open

Solemn

Secret

Finished

Jealous

Correct answer:

Secret

Explanation:

"Covert" is an adjective describing something that is secret, hidden, or undercover. "Open" can be an antonym to "covert" if used to describe someone's attitude towards information. None of the other words are particularly related to "covert."

Example Question #52 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

COUNTERFEIT

Possible Answers:

Solid

Valid

Opposite

Loud

Fake

Correct answer:

Fake

Explanation:

Counterfeit is an adjective describing something that is fake, fraudulent, or unreal. "Counter-" is a prefix that connotes an opposite. "Valid" is close to an antonym to counterfeit.

Example Question #53 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

NOXIOUS

Possible Answers:

Disruptive

Exposed

Hateful

Poisonous

Clean

Correct answer:

Poisonous

Explanation:

"Noxious" means harmful or poisonous. A "noxious" gas might be toxic. "Hateful" means either deserving of or being filled with extreme anger. "Disruptive" means tending to disturb the normal order of a situation. "Exposed" refers to being uncovered or made visible.

Example Question #54 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

VACANT

Possible Answers:

Generous

Inexpensive

Blank

Competitive

Poor

Correct answer:

Blank

Explanation:

The word "vacant" is related to the words "vacuum" and "vacation." A "vacuum" is an empty space. A vacation is "empty time" during which you can rest and do what you want to do. Whenever a piece of property is "vacant," it is empty, having nobody occupying it. We can also use the word "vacant" to describe something that is generally empty. Thus, a "vacant stare" is a facial expression that is "empty"—as though the person were looking off into space without any particular focus.

Example Question #55 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

STATELY

Possible Answers:

Intriguing

Important

Impressive

Lethal

Political

Correct answer:

Impressive

Explanation:

Whenever something is "stately," it is majestic or very grand. Things that are "important" can also be called "stately," but the two words are not exact synonyms. Instead, the best option for this question is the simple "impressive." Whenever something is "stately," its majesty and grandeur are impressive.

Example Question #56 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

INERT

Possible Answers:

Iconic

Sluggish

Active

Intense

Unwieldy

Correct answer:

Sluggish

Explanation:

Inert is defined as "inactive" or "sluggish." Other answer choices are incorrect; iconic means relating to, or of the nature of an icon; "unwieldy" means cumbersome or unmanageable; "active" means energetic; and "intense" means extreme or passionate.

Example Question #57 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

DECEPTIVE

Possible Answers:

Illegal

Forceful

Unexpected

Illusory

Thieving

Correct answer:

Illusory

Explanation:

Whenever we deceive someone, we trick or lie to him or her.  Thus, something that is "deceptive" is something that we could call "tricky." A deceptive person is someone who manipulates with lies. A deceptive appearance is something that looks one way, though it really is not in fact that way. For example, a building might look deceptively tall when it is, in fact, quite short. Thus, it creates an illusion. This is why "illusory" is a good synonym for "deceptive."

Example Question #312 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INSIPID

Possible Answers:

Healthy

Prosperous

Obstinate

Boring

Lavish

Correct answer:

Boring

Explanation:

"Insipid" means lacking interest or flavor, which is closest in meaning to "boring."

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