ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #740 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DISSECT

Possible Answers:

Inform

Chide

Visit

Cut up

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.

Example Question #1101 : Synonyms

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

PURGE

Possible Answers:

Protect

Fail

Inhabit

Remove

Decline

Correct answer:

Remove

Explanation:

"Purge" derives from the same Latin root as "pure" (having no blemishes or unadulterated), so it's not surprising that it means remove something in order to benefit or cleanse the whole. "Remove" is thus the closest listed synonym. To “inhabit” a place or building to live in it; “decline” means decrease or reject in a polite way; “protect” means look after or stop from being hurt or damaged; and "fail" means unsuccessfully attempt to accomplish or achieve something.

Example Question #1102 : Synonyms

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

MAGNIFY

Possible Answers:

Repair

Display

Erect

Enlarge

Pamper

Correct answer:

Enlarge

Explanation:

"Magnify" means cause to appear bigger through the use of some instrument aiding one's vision, such as a handheld glass lens or a microscope. So, the correct answer is "enlarge." Considering the other answer choices, "display” means visually show, often publicly; “erect” means build a building or, more generally, construct; “repair” means fix; and “pamper” means spoil or let someone have everything they want.

Example Question #1103 : Synonyms

A synonym of "fortify" is __________.

Possible Answers:

annoy

respond

weaken

toughen

handle

Correct answer:

toughen

Explanation:

"Fortify" is a verb that can mean "strengthen (a place) with defensive works so as to protect it against attack" or "strengthen or invigorate (someone) mentally or physically," or "strengthen (a drink) with alcohol." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "strengthen." "Weaken," then, cannot be the correct answer, because "weaken" is an antonym of "strengthen." "Toughen," however, is a verb which means "make or become tougher," and because "toughen" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "fortify," "toughen" is the correct answer.

Example Question #1104 : Synonyms

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

ASCEND

Possible Answers:

Justify

Rise

Identify

Decline

Arbitrate

Correct answer:

Rise

Explanation:

To "ascend" means to rise or move upwards, so "rise" is the correct answer. To "arbitrate" something, like a dispute, means to judge or make a decision over a dispute or disagreement. To "decline" means to move downwards or lessen. To "identify" means to recognize or or to determine who a person is or what something is. To "justify" means to explain or give reasons for a point of view or choice.

Example Question #1105 : Synonyms

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

ATROPHY

Possible Answers:

Award

Tropical

Decline

Strength

Correct answer:

Decline

Explanation:

The word "atrophy" means waste away. The best choice is "decline" which means lose strength. A loss of strength is what happens when something atrophies. Considering the other choices, an "award" is something given for an acheivement, "tropical" means hot and humid, and "strength" is force or power.

Example Question #1106 : Synonyms

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

PROCEED

Possible Answers:

Program

Money

Seize

Continue

Correct answer:

Continue

Explanation:

The word "proceed" means continue or go forward. "Continue" is the best choice because it is a part of the definition of "proceed." Considering the other choices, "seize" means take by force, a "program" is a plan, and "money" is coins or paper notes that can be exchanged for goods and services.

Example Question #1107 : Synonyms

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

ABSCOND

Possible Answers:

Oppressed by heat

Run away 

Complacent 

Derogatory 

Prominent 

Correct answer:

Run away 

Explanation:

"Abscond" is a verb that means run away secretly or escape, so "run away" is the correct answer. To help you, "oppressed" means dominated or restricted, "complacent" means smug, "prominent" means important, noteworthy, or famous, and "derogatory" means critical and disparaging.

Example Question #1108 : Synonyms

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

ELONGATE

Possible Answers:

Absolve

Concede

Shorten

Lenghten

Hackneyed

Correct answer:

Lenghten

Explanation:

"Elongate" means to make longer or to lengthen, so "lengthen" is the correct answer. To help you, "absolve" is a verb that means means free from blame, "concede" means accept defeat, and "hackneyed" means trite, clichéd and unoriginal.

Example Question #1109 : Synonyms

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

DISMANTLE

Possible Answers:

Put together 

Edify 

Gather together 

Take apart 

Send away 

Correct answer:

Take apart 

Explanation:

"Dismantle" means take apart, so "take apart" is the correct answer. To help you, "edify" means improve someone's morals or intellect, often by teaching them.

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