ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1351 : Synonyms

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

TENTATIVE

Possible Answers:

Weak

Confused

Frustrated

Fearful 

Uncertain

Correct answer:

Uncertain

Explanation:

"Tentative" means unsure or uncertain. For example, one might write, "Gina had tentative plans to visit her mother that evening, as she was still waiting to hear whether her mother wanted to spend time with her." So, "uncertain" is the correct answer.

Example Question #1352 : Synonyms

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

DEMONSTRATIVE

Possible Answers:

Showy

Lacking

Explanatory

Achievable 

Correct answer:

Explanatory

Explanation:

The word "demonstrative" refers to something that is meant to explain some information. The best choice is "explanatory" because it shares the same definition as "demonstrative." Considering the other choices, "achievable" means able to be attained, "lacking" means not having, and "showy" means making a great display. 

Example Question #1353 : Synonyms

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

DIDACTIC

Possible Answers:

Interesting 

Dynamic 

Mysterious

Instructive

Candid

Correct answer:

Instructive

Explanation:

"Didactic" means serving to instruct or teach, so "instructive," which means serving to instruct, is therefore closest in meaning. 

Something that is didactic may be "interesting," but this is possibly a characteristic of something that is didactic, rather than a definition. Therefore, "interesting" cannot be the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, "dynamic" means active or  changing and "candid" means honest.

Example Question #437 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DEMONSTRATIVE

Possible Answers:

Illegal

Layered

Open

Evil

Correct answer:

Open

Explanation:

The word "demonstrative" means serving the purpose of showing and explaining. The best choice is "show" as it is a part of the definition of "demonstrative."

Example Question #1354 : Synonyms

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

INANE

Possible Answers:

Eminent

Smooth

Wordy

Absurd

Correct answer:

Absurd

Explanation:

The word "inane" means having no sense. So, "absurd," which means completely senseless, is the best choice. Considering the other choices, "eminent" means distinguished in rank, "smooth" means even on the surface, and "wordy" means talkative.

Example Question #22 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Authenticity, Understanding, And Importance

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

ACUTE

Possible Answers:

Sharp 

Opaque 

Transparent 

Translucent 

Obtuse 

Correct answer:

Sharp 

Explanation:

“Acute” can be used to describe a person in which case it refers to someone who is sharp-minded or quick-witted, or it can be used to describe an angle in a triangle, in which case it means measuring less than ninety degrees. When an angle is exactly ninety degrees we call it a “right” angle; when it is greater than ninety degrees we call it an “obtuse” angle. Just like how either a person or an angle can be “acute,” so too can a person or an angle be “obtuse." When a person is “obtuse,” we say they are dull-minded or slow-witted, or in other words, not easily understanding things that most other people understand. To provide further help, “transparent” means able to been seen through, “translucent” means partially able to be seen through, and “opaque” means unable to be seen through. The three words are used to describe how light passes through objects. A window is “transparent,” the ocean is “translucent,” and a brick wall is “opaque.”

Example Question #1355 : Synonyms

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

FRANK

Possible Answers:

Candid

Emotional 

Confident

Determined

Critical 

Correct answer:

Candid

Explanation:

"Frank" means honest, upfront, or candid, so "candid" is the synonym. 

Example Question #1356 : Synonyms

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

CRYPTIC

Possible Answers:

Somber

Ghostly

Mysterious

Unfortunate

Frightening

Correct answer:

Mysterious

Explanation:

“Cryptic” derives from the Greek word for "secret," so it makes sense that it means difficult to understand or having a hidden or secret meaning. "Mysterious" is thus the best answer. “Potent” means strong and powerful and is often used to describe medicine and solutions; “unfortunate” means unlucky, not fortunate; and "ghostly" means like a ghost or spectral; "somber" means severe, serious, and gloomy.

Example Question #1357 : Synonyms

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

APOCRYPHAL

Possible Answers:

Foolish 

Mythical

Accurate 

Honest

Succinct

Correct answer:

Mythical

Explanation:

An “apocryphal” story is one that is probably not true, but widely believed to be true. This is closest in definition to "mythical." To provide further guidance, "foolish" means not clever, stupid; "succinct" means expressed clearly in as few words as possible; "accurate" means exact, precise, on target.

Example Question #1358 : Synonyms

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

SALIENT

Possible Answers:

different

salty

discounted

prominent

Correct answer:

prominent

Explanation:

The word "salient" comes from a Latin word meaning to leap. If someone makes a salient point, it's as if that point is leaping out at you, leading to its meaning of prominent or relevant. Don't be deceived by false cognates, such as "saline" (salty), or "sale" (discounted).

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