ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

GLOOMY

Possible Answers:

Argumentative

Passionate

Compatible

Jubilant

Depressed

Correct answer:

Depressed

Explanation:

"Gloomy" means sad and depressed, so "depressed" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "gloomy": "jubilant" means extremely happy and joyful; "passionate" means having strong feelings and great energy; "compatible" means able to work together, able to get along, or able to coexist peacefully; and "argumentative" means inclined to fight or disagree.

Example Question #62 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

IRATE

Possible Answers:

Angry

Delighted

Worried

Wonderful

Correct answer:

Angry

Explanation:

"Irate" is an adjective that means enraged, so the answer closest in meaning to "irate" is "angry," which is an adjective that means showing strong resentment. Considering the other answer choices, none are as close in meaning to "irate" as is "angry": "delighted" is an adjective meaning very pleased; "worried" is adjective meaning concerned; and "wonderful" is an adjective meaning great or marvelous.

Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

SOMBER

Possible Answers:

Irritated

Happy

Tired

Sad

Correct answer:

Sad

Explanation:

"Somber" is an adjective meaning dull, depressing, and/or dark, so the answer closest in meaning to "somber" is "sad," which is an adjective meaning unhappy and sorrowful. Considering the other answer choices, none are close in meaning to "somber": "happy" means pleased and glad; "tired" means somewhat exhausted; and "irritated" means annoyed.

Example Question #12 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

SULLEN

Possible Answers:

Hopeful

Angry

Bashful

Gloomy

Reserved

Correct answer:

Gloomy

Explanation:

If something is sullen, it means it is gloomy.  For instance, teenagers are quite sullen and moody to the dismay of their parents.

Example Question #13 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

CRESTFALLEN

Possible Answers:

Bored

Cheerful

Careful

Afraid

Dejected

Correct answer:

Dejected

Explanation:

"Crestfallen" is an adjective that means downhearted, so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like sad. "Cheerful" cannot be the correct answer, then, because "cheerful" means happy, so it is an antonym of sad. "Dejected," however, is an adjective that means sad, and because it is the answer choice that is closest in meaning to "crestfallen," "dejected" is the correct answer.

Example Question #14 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

ENERGETIC

Possible Answers:

Concise

Exuberant

Timid

Courageous

Diligent

Correct answer:

Exuberant

Explanation:

"Energetic" means lively or exuberant, so "exuberant" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "energetic": "concise" means short and to the point; "timid" means fearful or easily scared; "diligent" means industrious or hard-working; and "courageous" means brave and bold.

Example Question #15 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

POIGNANT

Possible Answers:

Pointed

Memorable

Distorted

Hurtful

Correct answer:

Memorable

Explanation:

"Poignant" means evoking a keen emotion. Therefore, something that is "poignant" is "memorable," as it has the ability to evoke keen emotions. "Pointed" means sharp or filed and is not a synonym of "poignant." "Distorted" means warped, which is also not a synonym of "poignant." While something that is "hurtful" might have the potential to be "poignant," the words are not synonyms because they do no mean the same thing. "Poignant" refers to evoking emotions, while something that is "hurtful" alludes to physical or emotional pain.

Example Question #16 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

APPREHENSIVE

Possible Answers:

Dutiful

Stubborn

Pacific

Immaculate

Anxious

Correct answer:

Anxious

Explanation:

"Apprehensive" means anxious or worried about something, so "anxious" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "apprehensive": "pacific" means peaceful and non-violent; "stubborn" means unwilling to change's one mind despite contrary evidence; "immaculate" means extremely clean; and "dutiful" means responsible and willing to fulfill one's duties and tasks.

Example Question #17 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

TURBULENT

Possible Answers:

Orderly

Repetitive

Tumultuous

Meandering

Blunt

Correct answer:

Tumultuous

Explanation:

"Turbulent" is an adjective that can mean either "characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not controlled or calm," or when speaking of air or water, "moving unsteadily or violently." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "characterized by disorder" or "moving violently." "Orderly," then, cannot be the correct answer, because "orderly," which means "neatly and methodically arranged" or "of a person or group: well behaved; disciplined," is an antonym of "turbulent," not a synonym. "Tumultuous," however, is an adjective that means either "making a loud, confused noise; uproarious," or "excited, confused, or disorderly." Because "tumultuous" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "turbulent," "tumultuous" is the correct answer.

Example Question #18 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

JUBILANT

Possible Answers:

Very happy 

Very sad 

Very handsome 

Very angry 

Very friendly 

Correct answer:

Very happy 

Explanation:

"Jubilant" means very happy and is related to the words "joy" and "jubilation," which both mean happiness, and "jubilee," which means anniversary.

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