ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

A synonym of "toxic" is __________.

Possible Answers:

poisonous

prepared

fulsome

complete

industrial

Correct answer:

poisonous

Explanation:

"Toxic" is an adjective that means "causing or capable of causing death or illness if taken into the body" when used of a plant or substance, "producing poison as a means of attacking enemies or prey" when describing an animal or insect, or "extremely unpleasant or malicious." While "fulsome" might look like a good answer choice, "fulsome" actually means "complimentary or flattering to an excessive degree" or "of large size or quantity; generous or abundant," so it cannot be the correct answer. "Poisonous" however, is a synonym of "toxic," so "poisonous" is the correct answer.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

TURBULENT

Possible Answers:

Tranquil

Tempestuous

Peaceful

Calm

Correct answer:

Tempestuous

Explanation:

"Turbulent" means characterised by agitation or chaos. "Tempestuous" means stormy, so it is a synonym of "turbulent." "Calm," "tranquil" and "peaceful" are all antonyms of turbulent that mean untroubled.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

WANTON

Possible Answers:

Implausible

Suspicious

Credible

Random 

Demeaning 

Correct answer:

Random 

Explanation:

"Wanton" can mean random, so "random" is the correct answer. To help you, "implausible" means almost impossible or hard to believe, "credible" means reliable, "demeaning" means humiliating or undignified, and "suspicious" means doubtful.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

VIRULENT

Possible Answers:

Lazy

Harmful

Wrong

Virus

Correct answer:

Harmful

Explanation:

The word "virulent" means harmful. "Harmful" is the best choice, as it is a part of the definition of "virulent."

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

AUSPICIOUS

Possible Answers:

Promising

Austere

Oust

Howl

Correct answer:

Promising

Explanation:

The word "auspicious" means promising success. The best choice is "promising," as it shares the same definition as "auspicious." Considering the other choices, "austere" means strict, "oust" means overthrow or remove from a position, and "howl" means cry out.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

PRONE

Possible Answers:

Unlikely 

Inclined 

Cautious 

Objective 

Subjective 

Correct answer:

Inclined 

Explanation:

"Prone" means to be inclined towards doing something. For example, if you are "prone" to lying, then you lie often. To further help you, "cautious" means careful and wary; "objective" means subject to logic instead of personal opinion; "subjective" is an antonym of "objective" and means subject to personal opinion instead of logic.

Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

AUSPICIOUS

Possible Answers:

Mayhem

Carnage

Favorable

Audible

Potential

Correct answer:

Favorable

Explanation:

"Auspicious" means fortunate, promising, favorable; a lucky start or omen. To provide further help, "audible" means able to be heard; "carnage" refers to large scale slaughter and pillaging; "mayhem" means chaos; "potential" means the possible ability of something.

Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

DESTITUTE

Possible Answers:

Comely

Ominous

Menacing

Penniless

Ostentatious

Correct answer:

Penniless

Explanation:

Someone who is “destitute” is broke and penniless. To provide further guidance, "ostentatious" means defined by luxury and wealth; "comely" means cute; "ominous" and "menacing" are synonyms that both mean threatening, suggesting that danger is imminent

Example Question #8 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

PRONE

Possible Answers:

Susceptible

Cunning

Portly

Wily

Comely

Correct answer:

Susceptible

Explanation:

The word “prone” means likely to suffer from something specific. This is closest in meaning to “susceptible,” which means at risk from something specific. To provide further help, “wily” and “cunning” are synonyms that both describe someone who is smart and tricky, someone with lots of guile. Additionally, “portly” means fat and “comely” means cute

Example Question #9 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

CAPABLE

Possible Answers:

incompetent

effective

handy

educated

Correct answer:

effective

Explanation:

The word "capable" comes from the Latin meaning able to take in. If you look at its roots, it is like "able to capture." Someone who is described as being "capable" is able to "take in and accomplish a task." This person has a certain ability and could be said to be "effective," which means able to bring something about. The options "handy" and "educated" are tempting, though they are not necessarily synonyms. A capable person is probably handy, since they can do something. Likewise, being educated can (but not necessarily) lead to capabilities. However, neither of these are as close in meaning to "capable" as is "effective."

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