ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1302 : Synonyms

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

PUNCTUAL

Possible Answers:

Scared

Prompt

Cautious

Prudish

Dilatory

Correct answer:

Prompt

Explanation:

"Punctual" means prompt or on time. Therefore, "prompt" is the proper synonym. 

Example Question #4 : 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.

ETERNAL

Possible Answers:

Illiterate

Jubilant

Passive

Never-ending

Pious

Correct answer:

Never-ending

Explanation:

"Eternal" means not having an end or lasting forever, so "never-ending" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "eternal": "illiterate" means not having learned to read or write; "jubilant" means extremely happy and joyful; "passive"  means not active; and "pious" means very religious.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Movement, And Location

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

ARBITRARY

Possible Answers:

Jaded

Pointed

Unruly

Inconsistent

Surprised

Correct answer:

Inconsistent

Explanation:

"Arbitrary" means unreasonable or undetermined. "Inconsistent" is the best choice because it means contradictory or erratic. When something is "inconsistent," it is constantly changing and therefore cannot be determined. Considering the other choices, "surprised" means shocked or astonished, "jaded" means worn out, and "unruly" means difficult to control.

Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Movement, And Location

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

BRISK

Possible Answers:

Fierce

Quick

Steady

Forlorn

Leisurely

Correct answer:

Quick

Explanation:

Something that is "brisk" is best summarized as quick or fast; for example, a "brisk" wind is one that is blustering.  In terms of the other answer choices, "forlorn" means lonely; "steady" means constant; "leisurely" means laidback; and "fierce" means strong or aggressive.

Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Movement, And Location

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

CONSTANT

Possible Answers:

Fallible

Sustainable

Unchanging

Contiguous

Ghastly

Correct answer:

Unchanging

Explanation:

“Constant” means not changing, staying the same. To provide further help, “fallible” means imperfect; “ghastly” means ghost-like or horrific; “contiguous” means sequential; “sustainable” means able to be kept going

Example Question #8 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Movement, And Location

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

IMMINENT

Possible Answers:

Logical

Adverse

Impending

Sympathetic

Contrary

Correct answer:

Impending

Explanation:

"Imminent" is defined as likely to occur at any moment, and "impending" is defined as about to happen. These similar definitions make the two words synonyms. 

Example Question #941 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ERRATIC

Possible Answers:

True

Rational

Irregular

Tacit

Flagrant

Correct answer:

Irregular

Explanation:

The word "erratic" means constantly changing or having no certain state. "Irregular" is the best choice because it has a related definition—not regularConsidering the other choices, "true" means accurately reflecting things as they are or correct, "rational" means agreeable to reason, "tacit" means understood without being said, and "flagrant" means brazen or done without care for the obviousness with which one is breaking rules.

Example Question #942 : Identifying Synonyms

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

JUVENILE

Possible Answers:

Childish

Wily

Variegated

Portentous

Fluffy

Correct answer:

Childish

Explanation:

"Juvenile” means immature and behaving like a child or young in age, so "childish" is the correct answer. "Variegated" means containing many different colors, especially in a stripe-like pattern; "portentous" means ominous; and "wily" means clever and sneaky.

Example Question #943 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AUSPICIOUS

Possible Answers:

permanent

exuberant

transitory

favorable

orthodox

Correct answer:

favorable

Explanation:

“Auspicious” means favorable or lucky, so "favorable" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “exuberant” means excited and enthusiastic; “permanent” means lasting or unable to be erased; “transitory” means temporary or not permanent; and “orthodox” means conventional or abiding by a given set of rules.

Example Question #944 : Identifying Synonyms

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

STATIONARY

Possible Answers:

Frosty

Stern

Unmoving

Staunch

Fluid

Correct answer:

Unmoving

Explanation:

“Stationary” means unmoving as opposed to in motion, so "unmoving" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “staunch” means committed and firmly supporting; “frosty” means cold; “stern” means strict and sticking to the rules; and "fluid," when used as an adjective, means either flowing or in a liquid form.

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