ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1311 : Synonyms

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

STATIONARY

Possible Answers:

Frosty

Unmoving

Fluid

Stern

Staunch

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.

Example Question #951 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SPORADIC

Possible Answers:

Burdensome

Arboreal

Intermittent

Spartan

Correct answer:

Intermittent

Explanation:

The word "sporadic" means happening at irregular intervals in time. The best choice is "intermittent" because it shares the same definition. Considering the other choices, "arboreal" means having to do with trees, "spartan" means self-disciplined and apathetic about comfort, and "burdensome" means troublesome.

Example Question #952 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PERMANENT

Possible Answers:

Everlasting

Insipid

Coherent

Individual

Optimal

Correct answer:

Everlasting

Explanation:

"Permanent" means lasting forever or for a very long time or not erasable. To provide further guidance, "insipid" means boring or dull, "optimal" means perfect or prime, and "coherent" means able to be understood.

Example Question #953 : Identifying Synonyms

Which of the following is a synonym of the adjective "transient?"

Possible Answers:

Staying

Temporary

Peaceful

Permanent

Dedicated

Correct answer:

Temporary

Explanation:

Transient most nearly means temporary. Something that is "transient" is passing or fleeting. As a noun, the word most nearly refers to a vagabond. For example, "her feelings were transient."

The other choices are antonyms, with the exception of "peaceful," which is unrelated.

Example Question #954 : Identifying Synonyms

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

OBSOLETE

Possible Answers:

Outdated

Wretched

Pious

Stubborn

Modern

Correct answer:

Outdated

Explanation:

"Obsolete" means outdated or no longer in use, so "outdated" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "obsolete": "modern" is an antonym of "obsolete" and means new or up-to-date; "stubborn" means refusing to change one's attitude or viewpoint despite evidence to the contrary; "pious" means devout or very religious; and "wretched" means miserable or very sad.

Example Question #955 : Identifying Synonyms

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

OBSOLETE

Possible Answers:

Prolific 

Up to date 

Out of date 

Demonstrative 

Fecund 

Correct answer:

Out of date 

Explanation:

Something that is "obsolete" is no longer useful or out of date, so "out of date" is the correct answer. To help you, "fecund" means fertile, "demonstrative" means openly showing how one feels, especially concerning being fondness, and "prolific" means productive, creative, or fecund.

Example Question #956 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ANTEDILUVIAN

Possible Answers:

Very small

Very old

Very big 

Very young 

Very mysterious 

Correct answer:

Very old

Explanation:

The literal meaning of “antediluvian” is from the time before the biblical flood. However, in conventional English it is used to refer to anything extremely old-fashioned and outdated. So, "very old" is the correct answer.

Example Question #957 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FERTILE

Possible Answers:

Festive

Fruitful

Talkative

Barren

Correct answer:

Fruitful

Explanation:

"Furtile" means producing vegetation or crops or able to have children, so "fruitful" is the best match. "Barren" means failing to produce fruit or unable to have children and is an antonym of "fertile."

Example Question #958 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PRONE

Possible Answers:

Cumbersome

Reclining

Enroll

Upright

Examine

Correct answer:

Reclining

Explanation:

"Prone" is defined as lying flat or lying flat while facing downward, so "reclining" is the best choice. "Upright," which means vertical, has the opposite meaning.

Example Question #959 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RUSTIC

Possible Answers:

Rusted

Metallic

Turbulent

Simple

Correct answer:

Simple

Explanation:

The word "rustic" means pertaining to the countryside or simple and plainThe best choice is "simple" because it is a part of the definition of "rustic." Often, simplicity is associated with the countryside, while complexity and sophistication is associated with the city. Considering the other choices, "rusted" means coated with rust and corroded, "metallic" means consisting of or resembling metal, and "turbulent" means tumultuous or stormy.

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