ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #931 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DESPICABLE

Possible Answers:

Distasteful

Dislikable

Forgetful

Abhorrent

Criminal

Correct answer:

Abhorrent

Explanation:

When ever someone or something is "despicable," it is something that you should despise. That is, it is something that you should hate very strongly. Now, the word "despicable" itself means this—deserving of great hatred. It might well be true that "criminal" things deserve great hatred; however, "criminal" is not synonymous with the basic meaning of "despicable." Therefore, the best option is "abhorrent." Something that is "abhorrent" is hated greatly. It causes a kind of "horror"—not in fright but, instead, in hatred. It is related to the verb "abhor," meaning to hate or find disgusting.

Example Question #53 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Quantity, And Variety

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

ATTRACTIVE

Possible Answers:

Tempting

Favored

Luminous

Rare

Shimmering

Correct answer:

Tempting

Explanation:

Whenever something or someone is "attractive," that thing (or person) draws your attention. An "attraction" is a kind of "pulling" that draws something closer. Sometimes, we use the word "attractive" to mean that something is tempting. For instance, consider the sentence, "That option was particularly attractive, and it was hard for Peter not to choose it." This means that the option was tempting for Peter.

Example Question #54 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Quantity, And Variety

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

INTRICATE

Possible Answers:

Exasperating

Encouraging

Awkward

Ornate

Strenuous

Correct answer:

Ornate

Explanation:

Whenever something is "intricate," that thing is complicated. This can refer to an intricate gadget—something that has many complicated parts that are all related together in complicated ways. It can also refer to something like an intricate argument—that is, one that has many details that require a lot of thinking to understand.

Example Question #932 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DISTINGUISHED

Possible Answers:

Insightful

Prominent

Gashed

Loving

Perceptive

Correct answer:

Prominent

Explanation:

The meaning of the word "distinguished" is related to the verb "to distinguish." Whenever we distinguish two things from each other, we express what is different about them. Each thing is unique and, hence, distinct. Whenever we describe a person as "distinguished," we are saying that he or she is different from other people. You can think of it like meaning that he or she "stands apart" from those others. Sometimes, senators will refer to each other by titles like, "The distinguished senator from Iowa," or "The distinguished woman from Kentucky." A prominent person is someone who is important and separated from the rest of "regular" people. Hence, "prominent" is a good synonym for "distinguished."

Example Question #56 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Quantity, And Variety

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

ESTEEMED

Possible Answers:

Significant

Persuasive

Admired

Entangled

Healthy

Correct answer:

Admired

Explanation:

When we talk about "self esteem," we are referring to the sense of self-worth that a person has about himself or herself. To "esteem" something is to hold that thing in high regard. Thus, an "esteemed" thing is something that is admired by others (and perhaps, if it is a person, by himself or herself as well).

Example Question #57 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Quantity, And Variety

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

DEFECTIVE

Possible Answers:

Faulty

Reducing

Protective

Diminishing

Essential

Correct answer:

Faulty

Explanation:

When something is "defective," it does not function as it should. Therefore, a computer keyboard that doesn't have all of its keys could be called "defective," and we could also call a car with a broken engine "defective." Something that is "faulty" is something with problems like this. The word "faulty" does not have to do with personal faults but with general problems or "faults," as when something does not function properly.

Example Question #58 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Quantity, And Variety

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

UNBLEMISHED

Possible Answers:

Brilliant

Immaculate

Visible

Perceptive

Clear

Correct answer:

Immaculate

Explanation:

A blemish is a kind of ugly mark on something, as when someone has a pimple on his or her skin.  Indeed, we will sometimes call such pimples "blemishes." Whenever something is said to be "unblemished" it is like someone who has no imperfection on his or her skin. He or she is perfect—at least as regards the skin. In general, "unblemished" can mean "perfect" or "without any imperfection." The word "immaculate" means just this. The root "-maculate," means "blemished." The "im-" prefix is the not prefix. Hence, "immaculate" means not blemished.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Movement, And Location

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

FLEETING

Possible Answers:

Filthy

Celestial

Short-lived

Blissful

Plentiful

Correct answer:

Short-lived

Explanation:

"Fleeting" means temporary or short-lived, so "short-lived" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "fleeting": "blissful" means very happy or joyful; "celestial" means related to the sky or the heavens; "plentiful" means abundant; and "filthy" means very dirty or disgusting.

Example Question #1300 : Synonyms

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

ABRUPT

Possible Answers:

Tireless

Unexpected

Ongoing

Candid

Continuous

Correct answer:

Unexpected

Explanation:

Something that is "abrupt" is sudden or unexpected, so "unexpected" is the correct answer.

Example Question #381 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

SPONTANEOUS

Possible Answers:

Not fair

Not planned

Not recorded

Not over

Not likely

Correct answer:

Not planned

Explanation:

Something that is "spontaneous" is not planned; happens by chance or accident. To provide further guidance, "recorded" means written down or preserved

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