ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

A synonym of "robust" is __________.

Possible Answers:

clear

viscous

weak

burly

lithe

Correct answer:

burly

Explanation:

"Robust" is an adjective that means "physically strong; muscular." So, "weak" cannot be the correct answer because "weak" is an antonym of "robust," and while "lithe" may look potentially correct, "lithe" means "thin, supple, and graceful," and is often used to describe a person's body. The closest synonym to "robust" amongst the possible answer choices is "burly," an adjective that means "large and strong; heavily built" and is used to describe people. So, "burly" is the correct answer.

Example Question #8 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

HIDEOUS

Possible Answers:

hidden

mysterious

unlucky

selective

ugly

Correct answer:

ugly

Explanation:

"Hideous" means ugly or unpleasant looking.

Example Question #8 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

A synonym of "threadbare" is __________.

Possible Answers:

mangy

watertight

pristine

militant

sequestered

Correct answer:

mangy

Explanation:

"Threadbare" is an adjective that means "becoming thin and tattered with age," when used to describe cloth, clothing, or soft furnishings, "poor or shabby in appearance" when used to describe a person, building, or room, and "used so often that is no longer effective" when used to describe an argument or idea. So, we need to pick out an adjective that means something like "tattered," "shabby," or "overused." That means that "pristine" cannot be the correct answer, because "pristine" is an adjective that can mean "in its original condition; unspoiled" or "clean and fresh as if new; spotless," making the word an antonym, not a synonym, of "threadbare." "Mangy," however, is an adjective that can mean "in poor condition; shabby," and because "mangy" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "threadbare," "mangy" is the correct answer.

Example Question #9 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

HOMELY

Possible Answers:

Welcoming

Sweet

Unattractive

Sermonic

Correct answer:

Unattractive

Explanation:

Because of the obvious root home, it is easy to think that "homely" means warm and welcoming (like "homey"). Be careful not to make this common mistake—"homely" does derive from "home," but it has traveled from there through the sense of plain and unadorned to our modern meaning of plain and unattractive. Be careful also not to confuse "homely" with "homily," which means a sermon.

Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

 

DELICATE

Possible Answers:

Durable

Contentious

Sturdy

Fragile

Unhappy

Correct answer:

Fragile

Explanation:

"Fragile" is the best synonym of "delicate," as they both mean easily breakable, while the rest of the answers bear little relation to the word in question: "durable" means longlasting and "sturdy" has a similar meaning, while "contentious" means producing controversy or debate.

Example Question #12 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

RAVENOUS

Possible Answers:

Parched

Starving

Content

Bleak

Satiated

Correct answer:

Starving

Explanation:

The word "ravenous" means very hungry or starving, so "starving" is the correct answer.

Example Question #13 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

ORNATE

Possible Answers:

Folksy

Lavish

Secular

Orblike

Correct answer:

Lavish

Explanation:

Something that is "ornate" is excessively showy. The best choice is "lavish," which means excessive. Considering the other options, "orblike" means like an orb, or in other words, spherical, "folksy" means purposely traditional in a affected wayand "secular" means nonreligious. 

Example Question #14 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

COARSE

Possible Answers:

Soft 

Rough 

Short 

Polite 

Tall 

Correct answer:

Rough 

Explanation:

"Coarse" means rough and can be used to describe the roughness of an object, the roughness of someone’s character, or the roughness of someone’s manners. When used to describe people, it generally means rude and uncouth. So, "rough" is the correct answer.

Example Question #15 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

AWRY

Possible Answers:

Without shape 

Able to be seen 

Comforting 

Twisted around 

Uncomfortable 

Correct answer:

Twisted around 

Explanation:

"Awry" means twisted around, out of shape, or gone wrong. To further help you, something that is "comforting" gives you peace and comfort. For example, one might write, “Amy’s New Year’s plans went hopelessly awry, but once she got home, the affection of her three dogs proved more than comforting enough.”

Example Question #261 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GAUDY

Possible Answers:

Attentive

Extravagant

Godlike

Important

Trustworthy

Correct answer:

Extravagant

Explanation:

"Gaudy" means extravagant to the point of being tasteless. Therefore, “extravagant” is a synonym of "gaudy."

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