ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

A synonym of "robust" is __________.

Possible Answers:

viscous

burly

weak

clear

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 #7 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

HIDEOUS

Possible Answers:

ugly

selective

hidden

unlucky

mysterious

Correct answer:

ugly

Explanation:

"Hideous" means ugly or unpleasant looking.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

A synonym of "threadbare" is __________.

Possible Answers:

mangy

pristine

watertight

sequestered

militant

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:

Unattractive

Sermonic

Welcoming

Sweet

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 #261 : Identifying Synonyms

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

 

DELICATE

Possible Answers:

Unhappy

Sturdy

Contentious

Durable

Fragile

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 #262 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RAVENOUS

Possible Answers:

Satiated

Starving

Content

Bleak

Parched

Correct answer:

Starving

Explanation:

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

Example Question #263 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ORNATE

Possible Answers:

Folksy

Secular

Lavish

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 #264 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COARSE

Possible Answers:

Rough 

Short 

Polite 

Tall 

Soft 

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 #265 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AWRY

Possible Answers:

Able to be seen 

Twisted around 

Without shape 

Uncomfortable 

Comforting 

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 #16 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

GAUDY

Possible Answers:

Godlike

Attentive

Trustworthy

Important

Extravagant

Correct answer:

Extravagant

Explanation:

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

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