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 Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

A synonym of "robust" is __________.

Possible Answers:

weak

burly

viscous

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 Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

HIDEOUS

Possible Answers:

selective

ugly

hidden

unlucky

mysterious

Correct answer:

ugly

Explanation:

"Hideous" means ugly or unpleasant looking.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

A synonym of "threadbare" is __________.

Possible Answers:

militant

sequestered

mangy

watertight

pristine

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 #2 : 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.

HOMELY

Possible Answers:

Unattractive

Sweet

Welcoming

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 #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

Fragile

Durable

Contentious

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 #622 : Synonyms

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

RAVENOUS

Possible Answers:

Starving

Parched

Content

Bleak

Satiated

Correct answer:

Starving

Explanation:

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

Example Question #262 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ORNATE

Possible Answers:

Lavish

Orblike

Secular

Folksy

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 #263 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COARSE

Possible Answers:

Rough 

Soft 

Tall 

Polite 

Short 

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 #264 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AWRY

Possible Answers:

Comforting 

Uncomfortable 

Twisted around 

Able to be seen 

Without shape 

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 #265 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GAUDY

Possible Answers:

Important

Godlike

Extravagant

Attentive

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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