All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #731 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EBB
Lighten
Dwindle
Increase
Improve
Protect
Dwindle
"Ebb," when used as a noun, means "the movement of the tide out to sea," and when used as a verb, it means "move away from land; recede" when referring to tides and "gradually lessen or reduce" when referring to emotions or qualities. Since none of our potential answer choices have to do with tides, we should pick one out that is a verb meaning something like "gradually lessen." While "increase" may have initially looked like a correct answer, "increase" means the opposite as "ebb," so it cannot be the correct answer. "Dwindle," however, means "diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength." Because "dwindle" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "ebb," "dwindle" is the correct answer.
Example Question #732 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
SEGREGATE
Belittle
Separate
Injustice
Offend
Hide
Separate
"Segregate" means separate from the rest of a group, often due to particular charatacteristics. Therefore, "separate," which when used as a verb means divide from the rest of a group, is the correct answer.
Example Question #733 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CULTIVATE
Observe
Study
Invest
Develop
Investigate
Develop
"Cultivate" means develop, prepare or grow. Therefore, "develop" is the proper synonym.
Example Question #734 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MAR
Impose
Pungent
Rectify
Horrify
Spoil
Spoil
"Mar" means to ruin or spoil. To further help you, "rectify" means to fix; "impose" means to assert, to force one’s will upon; "pungent" means strong smelling; "horrify" means to scare greatly.
Example Question #735 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PLUMMET
Loathe
Plunge
Determine
Sway
Deviate
Plunge
"Plummet" means plunge, nosedive, or fall straight down, so "plunge" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "plummet": "deviate" means stray from the normal course or path; "determine" means solve or figure out; "sway" means move forward and backwards in turn; and "loathe" means despise or hate.
Example Question #736 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SCAMPER
Dash
Egress
Ratify
Dawdle
Wanton
Dash
"Scamper" means to run away in a hurry; as such it is closest in meaning to "dash." To further help you, "wanton" means random; "ratify" means approve, especially with regard to lawmaking; "egress" means exit or way out; "dawdle" means to delay or to walk slowly and without purpose.
Example Question #737 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DISPEL
Reconsider
Enchant
Spell
Scatter
Fall
Scatter
"Dispel" is a verb that means to do away with or scatter. The best choice is "scatter" since it is a part of the definition of "dispel." Considering the other options, "enchant" means to put under magical influence literally or figuratively, "spell" is a noun that means list the consecutive letters in a given word, "fall" means to drop from the force of gravity, and "reconsider" means think about a given choice one more time, perhaps going back on one's original decision.
Example Question #738 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CUT
Pierce
Sow
Repair
Damage
Forget
Pierce
"Cut" is a verb that means to divide with a sharp edge. "Pierce" is the best choice since it shares the meaning to penetrate. Considering the other choices, "sow" means to plant seeds, "repair" means to fix, and "damage" means to harm.
Example Question #41 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SECLUDE
Pester
Isolate
Hesitate
Entail
Depose
Isolate
“Seclude” means keep away from other people, or “isolate.” “Pester” means annoy or bother; “depose” means get rid of or overthrow; “hesitate” means delay, pause, or wait in making a decision or acting; and “entail” means involve or require.
Example Question #41 : Synonyms: Verbs About Physical Changes, Movement, Or Location
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DISSECT
Chide
Inform
Cut up
Visit
Mold
Cut up
To "dissect" something, most often a dead animal, means to cut it apart into pieces in order to study its internal systems and composition. The word can also be used more metaphorically to mean scrutinize something, such as a problem. "Cut up" is thus the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, to “mold” something means to make it into a certain shape; “visit” means come to see briefly; “inform” means tell or convey previously unknown information to; and “chide” means chastise.