ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1395 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning

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

FRET

Possible Answers:

Marry

Silence

Worry

Soothe

Halt

Correct answer:

Worry

Explanation:

"Fret" is a verb meaning to worry excessively. For example: "The vicious guard dog caused all intruders to FRET regarding their safety."

"Soothe" is a verb that describes the action of calming someone down, often an action done to someone who is "fretting." "Halt" is a verb meaning to stop an action or movement. As a verb "silence" means to make, usually someone else, be quiet.

Example Question #1396 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning

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

ABHOR

Possible Answers:

Despise

Instigate

Enhance

Desire

Covet

Correct answer:

Despise

Explanation:

To "abhor" something is to loathe, despise or hate it. You might "abhor" violence and refuse to watch TV shows that use violent imagery.

"Covet is an antonym to "abhor." "Instigate" is a verb meaning to cause an event or arouse an emotion that causes action. To "desire" something is to want that thing. To "enhance" something is to make that thing better.

Example Question #1397 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning

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

AGITATE

Possible Answers:

Avoid

Condemn

Retract

Disturb

Permit

Correct answer:

Disturb

Explanation:

To "agitate" something means to disturb or to unsettle. To feel "agitated" means to feel unsettled, to feel anxious. To provide further help, "condemn" means express disapproval of, denounce; "retract" means take back, as in to take back a statement; "permit" means allow. 

Example Question #235 : Synonyms: Verbs

A synonym of "subject to" is __________.

Possible Answers:

bounce

put through

teach

measure

quarantine

Correct answer:

put through

Explanation:

"Subject to" means "cause or force to undergo (a particular experience of form of treatment)." So, we need to pick out a verb that means something like "cause or force to undergo something." While someone might teach a certain subject, "teach" does not mean the same thing as "subject to," and considering how someone might "teach a subject" uses "subject" as a noun, not a verb. "Put through," however, is close in meaning to "cause or force to undergo," and because "put through" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "subject to," "put through" is the correct answer.

Example Question #236 : Synonyms: Verbs

Synonyms: Select the word or phrase that best matches the word in capital letters. 

ABOUND

Possible Answers:

To be married 

To be nostalgic 

To be plentiful 

To be lost 

To be happy 

Correct answer:

To be plentiful 

Explanation:

"Abound" means to be plentiful. For example, one might write, “In the springtime, my garden abounds with flowers.” To further help you, "nostalgic" means feeling fondness for the past.

Example Question #237 : Synonyms: Verbs

Synonyms: Select the word or phrase that best matches the word in capital letters.

MERIT

Possible Answers:

Protect

Steal

Deserve

Satisfied

Malcontent

Correct answer:

Deserve

Explanation:

“Merit” describes something of value that deserves respect and admiration. “Merit” can also mean proven ability or something earned. To provide further guidance, "protect" means defend, look after; "malcontent" means dissatisfied, no content; "satisfied" means content and happy.

Example Question #238 : Synonyms: Verbs

Synonyms: Select the word or phrase that best matches the word in capital letters. 

AVERT

Possible Answers:

Describe

Succinct

Prevent

Contend

Damage

Correct answer:

Prevent

Explanation:

“Avert” means to turn something away, to prevent something bad from happening. To provide further guidance, "succinct" means clearly expressed in as few words as possible; "contend" means argue for, compete.

Example Question #239 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

ANCHOR

Possible Answers:

Portray 

Secure

Demean 

Allege

Depict

Correct answer:

Secure

Explanation:

An “anchor” is something you use to keep a boat at one location in the water. When used as a verb, however, “anchor” means hold onto or secure. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "anchor": "demean" means put someone down or embarrass someone; "allege" means claim or assert; and "depict" and "portray" are synonyms that each mean show or represent.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Other Verbs

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

INSTIGATE

Possible Answers:

Reveal

Decide

Internalize

Influence

Cause

Correct answer:

Cause

Explanation:

"Instigate" means start, cause, or set off. Therefore, "cause" is the synonym.

Example Question #241 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

REMEDY

Possible Answers:

Fix

Worsen

Deteriorate

Sicken

Correct answer:

Fix

Explanation:

You might already know that the word "remedy" can refer to a treatment for an ailment or injury. In that case, however, "remedy" is used as a noun. When this word is instead used as a verb, its meaning becomes slightly different. Here, to "remedy" something means to correct it, and "remedy" generally is used to refer to a situation that has gone wrong. Our clear answer, then, is "fix." The three answers that remain are antonyms, since they refer to the act of making a condition worse.

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