ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #301 : Identifying Synonyms

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

OBSCURE

Possible Answers:

Obvious

Coherent

Acceptable

Hidden

Abrupt

Correct answer:

Hidden

Explanation:

“Obscure” means hidden or esoteric, so "hidden" is the correct answer. Something that is “obvious” is easy to know and understand; “coherent” means able to be understood; “abrupt” means happening quickly and suddenly without any forewarning; and “acceptable” means good enough.

Example Question #302 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DUCTILE

Possible Answers:

Powerful

Flexible

Ventilated

Wired

Forceful

Correct answer:

Flexible

Explanation:

Perhaps you have heard of "ductility" in your science class. This is a property of metal that describes its ability to be made into a wire. For something to be "ductile" (and hence formed into a wire), it must be flexible. Otherwise, it would break. Do not choose "ventilated" (as though the word "ductile" was related to "air ducts"). Likewise, don't choose "wired!" Something that is ductile can be made into a wire; however, it certainly is not itself "wired."

Example Question #303 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RADIANT

Possible Answers:

Boiling

Chemical

Solar

Blazing

Shining

Correct answer:

Shining

Explanation:

The word "radiant" comes from Latin roots that mean to send out rays. Think of X-rays. Such technology is so named precisely because these devices use waves or "rays" to detect bone (and other) structures in your body. There can be "rays of sun," meaning the sunlight itself, shining. Thus, when we say that something is "radiant," we mean that it is shining. This word can be used metaphorically meaning joyful, as we say something like, "He was radiant when his mother told him that he would have his favorite dessert that that night."

Example Question #304 : Identifying Synonyms

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

IDENTICAL

Possible Answers:

Alike

Reflective

Duplicate

Similar

Akin

Correct answer:

Duplicate

Explanation:

For this word, be careful not to be fooled! There are a number of options that are meant to fool you into choosing a word that is only close but not exact. When things are "identical," they are exactly the same. Thus, it is not fair to say that they are merely similar, akin, or alike. All of those options merely mean that the things in question are nearly the same but not quite. Thus, the best option is "duplicate."  duplicate is a double of something else. It is an exact copy. Thus, this option is far better than the other ones offered!

Example Question #305 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COVERT

Possible Answers:

Solemn

Secret

Open

Jealous

Finished

Correct answer:

Secret

Explanation:

"Covert" is an adjective describing something that is secret, hidden, or undercover. "Open" can be an antonym to "covert" if used to describe someone's attitude towards information. None of the other words are particularly related to "covert."

Example Question #306 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COUNTERFEIT

Possible Answers:

Valid

Solid

Opposite

Loud

Fake

Correct answer:

Fake

Explanation:

Counterfeit is an adjective describing something that is fake, fraudulent, or unreal. "Counter-" is a prefix that connotes an opposite. "Valid" is close to an antonym to counterfeit.

Example Question #307 : Identifying Synonyms

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

NOXIOUS

Possible Answers:

Hateful

Exposed

Clean

Disruptive

Poisonous

Correct answer:

Poisonous

Explanation:

"Noxious" means harmful or poisonous. A "noxious" gas might be toxic. "Hateful" means either deserving of or being filled with extreme anger. "Disruptive" means tending to disturb the normal order of a situation. "Exposed" refers to being uncovered or made visible.

Example Question #308 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VACANT

Possible Answers:

Competitive

Inexpensive

Poor

Blank

Generous

Correct answer:

Blank

Explanation:

The word "vacant" is related to the words "vacuum" and "vacation." A "vacuum" is an empty space. A vacation is "empty time" during which you can rest and do what you want to do. Whenever a piece of property is "vacant," it is empty, having nobody occupying it. We can also use the word "vacant" to describe something that is generally empty. Thus, a "vacant stare" is a facial expression that is "empty"—as though the person were looking off into space without any particular focus.

Example Question #309 : Identifying Synonyms

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

STATELY

Possible Answers:

Intriguing

Important

Political

Impressive

Lethal

Correct answer:

Impressive

Explanation:

Whenever something is "stately," it is majestic or very grand. Things that are "important" can also be called "stately," but the two words are not exact synonyms. Instead, the best option for this question is the simple "impressive." Whenever something is "stately," its majesty and grandeur are impressive.

Example Question #310 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INERT

Possible Answers:

Intense

Iconic

Unwieldy

Sluggish

Active

Correct answer:

Sluggish

Explanation:

Inert is defined as "inactive" or "sluggish." Other answer choices are incorrect; iconic means relating to, or of the nature of an icon; "unwieldy" means cumbersome or unmanageable; "active" means energetic; and "intense" means extreme or passionate.

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