ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Nouns for Abstract Concepts

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

FINESSE

Possible Answers:

Refinement

Approval

Optimism

Dedication

Originality

Correct answer:

Refinement

Explanation:

Finesse means refinement or a polished way of speaking or acting, so "refinement" is the correct answer.

Example Question #81 : Identifying Synonyms

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

METTLE

Possible Answers:

Timidity

Novice

Iron

Fleet

Courage

Correct answer:

Courage

Explanation:

"Mettle" is defined as strength of spirit, so "courage" is the best match. "Timidity," which means lack of courage, is the opposite.

Example Question #82 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CALAMITY

Possible Answers:

Frenzy

Boon

Catastrophe

Hoax

Competence

Correct answer:

Catastrophe

Explanation:

"Calamity" is defined as catastrophe or disaster, so the best choice would be "catastrophe." "Boon," which means benefit or blessing, is an opposite.

Example Question #83 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MANDATE

Possible Answers:

Day

Decree

Breach

Chronicle

Correct answer:

Decree

Explanation:

A "mandate" is an order. The best choice is "decree" because it shares the same meaning. Considering the other choices, "day" is the period of time during which the sun is above the horizon, a "chronicle" is a record of events from start to finish, and "breach," when used as a noun, means an act of breaking a rule or agreement or a gap in a wall.

Example Question #84 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AUDIO

Possible Answers:

Audacious

Wise

Audience

Sound

Correct answer:

Sound

Explanation:

"Audio" is another word for sound. "Sound" is the best choice because it is a part of the definition of "audio." Considering the other options, an "audience" is a group of people who are watching or listening to a particular event, "audacious" means daring or reckless, and "wise" means characterized by having knowledge and good judgement.

Example Question #85 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PARITY

Possible Answers:

Parched

Part

Equality

Problem

Correct answer:

Equality

Explanation:

The word "parity" means equality. "Equality" is the best choice as it is a part of the meaning of "parity." Considering the other options, "part" means a piece of something larger, a "problem" is a difficulty or a question to be solved, and "parched" means excessively dry or very thirsty.

Example Question #86 : Identifying Synonyms

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

OBLOQUY

Possible Answers:

Censure

Local

Quiz

Oblivious

Correct answer:

Censure

Explanation:

An "obloquy" is abusive language aimed at a person or thing. The best choice is "censure," as it shares the same definition as "obloquy." Considering the other choices, "quiz" means an examination or test, "local" means having to do with or originating in a particular areaand "oblivious" means unknowing.

Example Question #87 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EPIDEMIC

Possible Answers:

Disaster

Outbreak

Illness

Harm 

Widespread

Correct answer:

Outbreak

Explanation:

An "epidemic" is a widespread outbreak of a certain disease. Therefore, "outbreak" is the word most similar in meaning to "epidemic."

Example Question #88 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ENIGMA

Possible Answers:

Mystery

Frustration 

Problem 

Evil 

Surprise

Correct answer:

Mystery

Explanation:

An "enigma" is a mystery or puzzle. For example, one might write, "No one is sure whether Bigfoot actually exists: it is quite the enigma." So, "mystery" is the correct answer.

Example Question #89 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AMBIANCE

Possible Answers:

Opulence

Virtuoso 

Intelligence 

Stark 

Atmosphere 

Correct answer:

Atmosphere 

Explanation:

"Ambiance" means the atmosphere of a place. So for example, one might say, “The quiet café had such a peaceful, serene ambiance.” So, because "atmosphere" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "ambiance," "atmosphere" is the correct answer. To help you, "opulence" means wealth and luxury, a "virtuoso" is someone who is highly skilled at something, often to do with music, and "stark" means barren, harsh, or bleak.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors