ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #17 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

LIMBER

Possible Answers:

Weak 

Timid 

Inflexible 

Strong 

Agile 

Correct answer:

Agile 

Explanation:

"Limber" means agile or flexible, so "agile" is the correct answer. To help you, "inflexible" means not flexible and is an antonym of "limber." Finally, "timid" means shy

Example Question #271 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PECKISH

Possible Answers:

Charlatan

Idealistic

Avian

Hungry

Correct answer:

Hungry

Explanation:

The word "peckish" means somewhat hungry. The best choice is "hungry" because it is a part of the definition of "peckish." Considering the other choices, "avian" means having to do with birds, "idealistic" means having high goals, and a "charlatan" is a person who pretends to have more knowledge or skill than they actually have.

Example Question #272 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VORACIOUS

Possible Answers:

Starving

Graceful

Edible

Young

Correct answer:

Starving

Explanation:

The word "voracious" means incredibly hungry. The best choice is "starving" because it shares the same definition as "voracious." Considering the other choices, "young" means in the early stages of life, "graceful" means having beauty and elegance in form, and "edible" means able to be eaten.

Example Question #273 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

FAMISHED

Possible Answers:

Uncomfortable

Starving 

Unpopular

Responsible 

Thirsty 

Correct answer:

Starving 

Explanation:

“Famished” means very hungry or starving and comes from the same root as “famine,” which means a prolonged period without food. To provide further help, “unpopular” means not well-liked; “uncomfortable” means not comfortable; “responsible” means accountable, to be blamed if something goes wrong.

Example Question #274 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ROBUST

Possible Answers:

Sturdy

Frequent

Timid

Flexible

Miserable

Correct answer:

Sturdy

Explanation:

"Robust" means strong, durable, or sturdy, so "sturdy" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "robust": "timid" means easily scared and frightened; "flexible" means pliable or able to bend easily; "miserable" means depressed and unhappy; and "frequent" means occurring often.

Example Question #21 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

OPAQUE

Possible Answers:

Foggy 

Powerful

Disgusting 

Opulent

Correct answer:

Foggy 

Explanation:

"Opaque" means non-transparent or unable to let light pass through and thus be looked through. Something that is "cloudy" is not see-through; therefore, "cloudy" is the closest synonym because something that is cloudy is not see-through, and hence is non-transparent. None of the other possibilities mean "non-transparent." While "opulent" sounds similar to opaque, it has a different meaning: wealthy. As for the other answer choices, "disgusting" means unpleasant to the senses or gross, and "powerful" means possessing power or strong.

Example Question #23 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

ORNATE

Possible Answers:

Decorative

Expensive

Immense

Plain

Simple

Correct answer:

Decorative

Explanation:

If something is ornate, it means that it is decorative or detailed.  An example of this is there may be an ornate artistic design that an artist chooses to use in a painting.

Example Question #275 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LAVISH

Possible Answers:

Extravagant

Proud

Wild

Superior

Sparse

Correct answer:

Extravagant

Explanation:

Although there is a verb form of "lavish," this question refers to the adjectival form of the word "lavish." Thus, the word "lavish," as used in the phrase "lavish spending," is closest in meaning to the word "extravagant."

Example Question #276 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ANEMIC

Possible Answers:

Pale

Tanned 

Haughty 

Anxious 

Modest 

Correct answer:

Pale

Explanation:

“Anemic” means sick-looking or weak, and as such, it is closest in meaning to “pale,” which means lacking color or looking sick. To provide further help, “haughty” means boastful and arrogant; “tanned” means darkened by the sun; “anxious” means worried; and “modest” means not haughty or humble

Example Question #277 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ARID

Possible Answers:

Cold

Dry

Damp

Airy

Intense

Correct answer:

Dry

Explanation:

"Arid" is an adjective that means "having little or no rain; too dry or barren to support vegetation" when it refers to land or climate, or "lacking in interest, excitement, or meaning" in referring to other things. So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like either "dry" or "boring." While "airy" may look like a potentially correct answer choice because it is similar in spelling and pronunciation to "arid," "airy" does not mean "dry" or "boring," so it cannot be the correct answer. "Dry" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "arid," so it is the correct answer.

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