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 #310 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PAINSTAKING

Possible Answers:

Helpful

Helpless

Careless

Hapless

Careful

Correct answer:

Careful

Explanation:

"Painstaking" means done with great care and patience, meticulous and careful. To provide further help, "hapless" means hopeless, unfortunate, unlucky

Example Question #563 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HAZARDOUS

Possible Answers:

Dangerous

Welcoming

Urging

Unnerving

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 #564 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PARTICULAR

Possible Answers:

Achieving

Incomplete

Dirty

Distinct

Lazy

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:

Humorous

Joyful

Foolish

Amusing

Hysterical

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:

Immoral

Despicable

Surprising

Attractive

Examined

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:

Random

Timed

Infamous

Planned

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 #565 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EXPANSIVE

Possible Answers:

Expecting

Overweight

Examined

Flowing

Extensive

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 #571 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FOREIGN

Possible Answers:

Notorious

Uncivilized

Wild

Exotic

Ancient

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 #572 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RECLUSIVE

Possible Answers:

Ponderous

Intelligent

Contemplative

Reflective

Secluded

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 #573 : Identifying Synonyms

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

OMNIPOTENT

Possible Answers:

Capable

Sturdy

Powerful

Unconquerable

Able

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."

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