ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #162 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

FRAILTY

Possible Answers:

Weakness

Dishonesty

Honesty

Humility

Strength

Correct answer:

Weakness

Explanation:

"Frailty" is the quality of being sick or weak, weakness. To provide further help, "humility" is the quality of being modest and humble, of not being arrogant

Example Question #163 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

GRACE

Possible Answers:

Hatred

Rivalry

Love

Dignity

Mercy

Correct answer:

Dignity

Explanation:

"Grace" means elegance, dignity, to move or carry oneself in a dignified and classy manner. To provide further help, "rivalry" means competition, usually between two familiar foes; "mercy" is compassion and forgiveness, the action of not punishing someone for something they have done wrong

Example Question #164 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

CONTENTMENT

Possible Answers:

Dread

Happiness

Irritation

Sadness

Anger

Correct answer:

Happiness

Explanation:

"Contentment" means something like satisfaction, being happy with things the way they are. So, the closest answer is "happiness." To provide further help, "dread" is great anxiety and fear; "irritation" is frustration, a feeling of being annoyed by something

Example Question #165 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

INSANITY

Possible Answers:

Fragility

Happiness

Sadness

Comfort

Madness

Correct answer:

Madness

Explanation:

"Insanity" is madness, craziness, the lack of sanity. To provide further help, "fragility" means weakness, the quality of being easily broken

Example Question #166 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

CONSTERNATION

Possible Answers:

Distress

Piety

Wit

Delight

Wisdom

Correct answer:

Distress

Explanation:

"Consternation" is a feeling of distress caused by something surprising and disturbing. To provide further help, "delight" is great joy and happiness; "piety" is deep religious belief; "wisdom" is knowledge and understanding; "wit" is mental sharpness, intelligence, particularly with regard to humor.

Example Question #167 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

MIRTH

Possible Answers:

Surprise

Excellence

Joy

Stupidity

Intrigue

Correct answer:

Joy

Explanation:

Whenever someone experiences great "mirth", he or she experiences great joy. This is one of those words that you just have to memorize. Some examples can help:

"The children experienced great mirth as they opened their gifts for Christmas."

"The friends danced with great mirth, joyfully celebrating the end of the school year."

"The old grumpy man hated the children's mirthful attitude."

Example Question #168 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

DEGREE

Possible Answers:

Intelligence

Employment

Education

Extent

Greeting

Correct answer:

Extent

Explanation:

Whenever we talk about the "degree" of something, we are talking about how much of it there is. Thus, the "degree of anger" that someone is feeling is the amount of anger that he or she is feeling in a particular situation. Thus, "degree" can mean "how far," "amount," or "extent." The word "extent" is a synonym for "area" (or "distance") but it also is a good synonym for "degree." Think of some expressions you might use. You could say, "To what degree was the building damaged in the earthquake?" You could, however, also say, "What was the extent of the damage to the building during the earthquake?"

Example Question #168 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

RIDICULE

Possible Answers:

Force

Delight

Abuse

Mockery

Injustice

Correct answer:

Mockery

Explanation:

Based on the options for this question, it is clear that the word "ridicule" is being used as a noun. All of the options are nouns. Now, the verb form of "ridicule" means to make fun of or to mock. Thus, the noun "ridicule" describes the kind of mockery that happens whenever someone is made fun of. While this kind of mockery is a kind of abuse, the general idea of ridicule has to do with mocking and "laughing at" someone else. Hence, the best option is "mockery."

Example Question #169 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

HOSPITALITY

Possible Answers:

Directions

Malice

Kindness

Enmity

Hatred

Correct answer:

Kindness

Explanation:

Do not confuse the word "hospitality" with "hostility." The latter means enmity—quite different from "hospitality"! "Hospitality" is the kind of kindness or help that we show to others such as neighbors or guests. Hence, the best option is "kindness," which expresses this idea of helping others.

Example Question #231 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PROFUNDITY

Possible Answers:

Experiential

Depth

Stately

Beauty

Delightful

Correct answer:

Depth

Explanation:

Whenever something is "profound," it is very deep and intensely influential. A "profound" feeling is a very deep feeling. The word "profundity" is a noun that describes something that has such a depth. For example, whenever someone says something that is very insightful and true, we say that he or she has expressed something of great profundity. This is the sense implied by the word in this question. Hence, you can say that he or she expressed something of "great depth"—speaking metaphorically, of course!

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