ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #731 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EBB

Possible Answers:

Lighten

Dwindle

Increase

Improve

Protect

Correct answer:

Dwindle

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Belittle

Separate

Injustice

Offend

Hide

Correct answer:

Separate

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Observe

Study 

Invest

Develop

Investigate

Correct answer:

Develop

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Impose 

Pungent 

Rectify 

Horrify 

Spoil

Correct answer:

Spoil

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Loathe

Plunge

Determine

Sway

Deviate

Correct answer:

Plunge

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Dash 

Egress 

Ratify 

Dawdle 

Wanton 

Correct answer:

Dash 

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Reconsider

Enchant

Spell

Scatter

Fall

Correct answer:

Scatter

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Pierce

Sow

Repair

Damage

Forget

Correct answer:

Pierce

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Pester

Isolate

Hesitate

Entail

Depose

Correct answer:

Isolate

Explanation:

“Seclude” means keep away from other people, or “isolate.” “Pester” means annoy or bother; “depose” means get rid of or overthrow; “hesitate” means delay, pauseor 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

Possible Answers:

Chide

Inform

Cut up

Visit

Mold

Correct answer:

Cut up

Explanation:

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.

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