ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #51 : Identifying Synonyms

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

KNAPSACK

Possible Answers:

Hydrant

Diagram

Enmity

Journalism

Backpack

Correct answer:

Backpack

Explanation:

A "knapsack" is a backpack or a bag carried on a person's back, so "backpack" is the correct answer. "Journalism" is the job of writing news stories or of broadcasting the news. "Hydrant" is an pipe that spouts out large amounts of water that fire departments use to put out fires. "Enmity" is intense hatred. A "diagram" is a picture or sketch of something that conveys specific information about it, usually by detailing its different component parts.

Example Question #52 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DOMICILE

Possible Answers:

Posit

Despot

Abode

Eshew

Correct answer:

Abode

Explanation:

A "domicile" is a home or house. The best choice is "abode," which shares the same meaning. Considering the other options, a "despot" is a tyrant or ruler with absolute power, "eschew" means keep away from, and "posit" means place something somewhere or propose that an idea is factual as the basis of further discussion.

Example Question #53 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

TERRAIN

Possible Answers:

Plant

Sticky

Ocean

Ground

Exotic

Correct answer:

Ground

Explanation:

"Terrain" is means landground, or earth, so "ground" is the correct answer.

Example Question #53 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MEMORANDUM

Possible Answers:

Note

Analysis

Essay

Prescription

Correct answer:

Note

Explanation:

"Memorandum" is a noun that means a short written note for future reference, so the answer choice closest in meaning to "memorandum" is "note", a noun that also means a short written record. Considering the other choices, none of them are as close in meaning to "memorandum" as is "note": an "essay" is a long written composition; a "prescription" means a written medical direction for medicine; and "analysis" is a noun meaning the written results of an investigation or body of research.

Example Question #54 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MARINA

Possible Answers:

Captain

Harbor

Moderator

Professor

Commentator

Correct answer:

Harbor

Explanation:

"Marina" comes from the same Latin roots as "maritime" (located or having to do with the sea), "mariner" (sailor), and "marine" (living in an ocean or sea), so we can infer that it will have something to do with the ocean. A "marina" is the place in which boats are kept when they are not being sailed. This makes "harbor" the correct answer, as it is closest in meaning to "marina." As for the other answer choices, a “commentator” is someone who talks about what is happening as it is happening to explain it to other people watching it; a “moderator” is someone who listens to two people and tries to stop them from fighting and help them reach an agreement; a “professor” is a teacher at university; and one meaning of "captain" is someone who is in charge of a ship.

Example Question #55 : Identifying Synonyms

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

JUNCTION

Possible Answers:

Connection

Eradication

Demonstration

Implication

Application

Correct answer:

Connection

Explanation:

A “junction” is the physical place or location where two things join, so the best answer choice is “connection,” which means link between two things. As for the other answer choices, “demonstration” is an act of showing of how something works or is done by seeing it done as an example; an “implication” is suggestion or what something suggests will happen; an “application” is a formal request for something; and "eradication” means the act of completely killing off or getting rid of something.

Example Question #56 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FOLIAGE

Possible Answers:

Forest

Nutrient

Food

Vegetation

Herbivore

Correct answer:

Vegetation

Explanation:

"Foliage" means leaves and greenery, so "vegetation" is the best answer choice. As for the other answer choices, "food" means substance that is eaten in order to gain nutrients and energy; "nutrient" means vitamin that supports survival and growth; "forest" means wooded area or large group of trees; and "herbivore" means plant-eating animal.

Example Question #57 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TALISMAN

Possible Answers:

Evil

Rubber

Superstitious

Stone

Charm

Correct answer:

Charm

Explanation:

A "talisman" is a symbol that is thought to bring good luck. It could be a necklace or a lucky rabbit's foot, or anything a person believes is lucky. A "charm" means the same thing. The word "talisman" is a noun, so you should have eliminated words that weren't nouns when looking at the answers. This leaves only "charm" and "stone."

Example Question #58 : Identifying Synonyms

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

NUCLEUS

Possible Answers:

Larceny

Center

Homicide

Felony

Periphery

Correct answer:

Center

Explanation:

The "nucleus" is the core or center of something. To provide further help, "homicide" means murder; "larceny" means thievery; a "felony" is a crime; the "periphery" is what is on the outskirts. The "periphery" is opposite to the "nucleus." 

Example Question #59 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INCOME

Possible Answers:

Outlier

Accomplice

Wages

Entrance

Companion

Correct answer:

Wages

Explanation:

"Income" means money earned through a job, wages, salary. To provide further help, an "outlier" is something or someone that falls well outside the center of a group, something unusual, a unique piece of data; a "companion" is a friend, someone who is with you; an "accomplice" is a person who assists another person in committing a crime.

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