ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #102 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

 

GENEROUS

Possible Answers:

Detrimental

Selfish

Magnanimous

Penurious

Spendthrift

Correct answer:

Magnanimous

Explanation:

All of the terms aside from "detrimental" (harmful) are related to "generous" in some way, but "magnanimous" is most appropriate because it means generous in giving and benevolent. "Spendthrift" means indulgent and wasteful in spending, "penurious" means stingy, and "seflish" means only thinking of oneself and not of others.

Example Question #103 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

IMPRESSIVE

Possible Answers:

Identical

Solitary

Visible

Negative

Admirable

Correct answer:

Admirable

Explanation:

"Impressive" means admirable or evoking praise or admiration, so "admirable" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are related in meaning to "impressive": "identical" means exactly the same; "visible" means apparent or able to be seen; "solitary" means alone or by oneself; and "negative" means not hopeful or pessimistic.

Example Question #104 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

COURTEOUS

Possible Answers:

Frigid

Immense

Polite

Solo

Edible

Correct answer:

Polite

Explanation:

"Courteous" means polite and gracious, so "polite" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "courteous": "edible" means able to be eaten. "Frigid" means extremely cold. "Immense" means very great in size, and "solo" means done independently or alone.

Example Question #105 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

GENTEEL

Possible Answers:

Coarse

Offensive

Sedentary

Solitary

Refined

Correct answer:

Refined

Explanation:

A "genteel" person is one who is extremely polite and/or refined in his or her manners. So, "refined" is the correct answer.

Example Question #111 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

REGAL

Possible Answers:

Democratic

Straightforward

Polite

Pertinent

Magnificent

Correct answer:

Magnificent

Explanation:

"Regal" has two definitions: it can mean either being descended from a royal family or magnificent. In this case, the secondary definition "magnificent" is given, so "magnificent" is the correct answer.

Example Question #16 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

FRUGAL

Possible Answers:

Smelly

Wasteful

Mean

Thrifty

Correct answer:

Thrifty

Explanation:

"Frugal" means prefering to save rather than to spend money, so "thrifty" is the best match. "Wasteful" has the opposite meaning.

Example Question #15 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

IDLE

Possible Answers:

Preoccupied

Terrified

Smug

Fortunate

Lazy

Correct answer:

Lazy

Explanation:

"Idle" means not in use when referring to a machine, lazy when referring to a person, and unoccupied or spare when referring to time in someone's schedule. So, "lazy" is the correct answer.

Example Question #16 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

GREGARIOUS

Possible Answers:

Cold

Generous

Outgoing

Divergent

Ideal

Correct answer:

Outgoing

Explanation:

"Gregarious" means sociableoutgoing, or friendly, so "outgoing," which also means friendly and extroverted, is the best match here.

Example Question #17 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

Bashful 

Possible Answers:

Uncoordinated

Shy

Belligerent

Sweet

Bold

Correct answer:

Shy

Explanation:

"Bashful" means timid or shy. For example, one might say, "The lamb was so bashful that it was afraid to even leave its mother's side." So, "shy" is the correct answer.

Example Question #18 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

FURTIVE

Possible Answers:

Sneaky

Timid

Ferocious

Furry

Correct answer:

Sneaky

Explanation:

The word "furtive" means done with stealth. The best choice is "sneaky," which shares the same meaning as "furtive." Considering the other options, "furry" means covered with hair or fur, "ferocious" means fierce or intense like a wild beast, and "timid" means lacking in courage and bravery.

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