ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #131 : Synonyms

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

EJECT

Possible Answers:

Reproach

Reward

Discharge

Vend

Distress

Correct answer:

Discharge

Explanation:

The prefix "e-" can mean away or out and the "-ject" portion of the word derives from the Latin for "throw," so it makes sense that "eject" means throw away from. That makes "discharge" the correct answer, as "discharge" means toss away from. Considering the other answer choices, "reward" means give someone something nice for doing the right thing; “reproach” means show that one does not approve of something; “distress” means cause to become upset; and “vend” means sell.

Example Question #132 : Synonyms

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

DISMISS

Possible Answers:

Question

Introduce

Conclude

Ignore

Demand

Correct answer:

Ignore

Explanation:

 

In the word "dismiss," the "dis-" prefix is functioning to mean away, and the "-miss" portion derives from the Latin for to send, so it makes sense that "dismiss" means send away or ignore. "Ignore" is thus the correct answer. Considering the other answer choices, “demand” means ask for forcefully as if the person being queried has no other choice; “question” means ask or cast doubt on; “introduce” means bring something up, like an idea or a person, for the first time; and “conclude” means determine or finish.

Example Question #133 : Synonyms

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

INTERACT

Possible Answers:

Communicate

Trade

Portray

Undermine

Calculate

Correct answer:

Communicate

Explanation:

The prefix "inter-" means between, so it makes sense that "interact" means engage with another person, talk, or "communicate." As for the other answer choices, “undermine” means subvert, sabotage, or work against the progress of; “trade” means exchange goods; “calculate” means figure out or determine; and “portray” means show or represent.

Example Question #134 : Synonyms

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

ASYMMETRICAL

Possible Answers:

Outdated

Resourceful

Balanced

Uneven

International

Correct answer:

Uneven

Explanation:

The prefix "a-" means not and negates the original meaning of a word. “Symmetrical” means having two halves that are mirror images of one another, so “asymmetrical” means not having two halves that are mirror images of one another. This makes "uneven" the best answer choice. As for the other answer choices, “resourceful” means capable and able to cope with many situations; “balanced” means even; “international” means global or having to do with multiple nations; “outdated” means out of date and obsolete.

Example Question #135 : Synonyms

Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.

Hummingbirds are __________ because they eat both insects and nectar.

Possible Answers:

omnipotent

herbivores

deities

carnivores

omnivores

Correct answer:

omnivores

Explanation:

Animals that eat both other animals and vegetables are called “omnivores.” “Carnivores” eat only meat and “herbivores” eat only plants. The prefixes "omni-" (all) herb- (having to do with plants), and carn- (having to do with the body, flesh, or meat) are all relative here. A “deity” is a god or goddess; and “omnipotent” means all-powerful.

Example Question #136 : Synonyms

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

REPEL

Possible Answers:

Beckon

Summon

Repulse

Intrude

Command

Correct answer:

Repulse

Explanation:

The prefix "re-" means back or again, and "pel" derives from a Latin root meaning force, so it makes sense that "repel" means force backdeflect, or "repulse." “Summon” means send for or call for; “beckon” means wave for someone to approach; “command” means order or tell what to do; and "intrude" means interrupt, often by entering a space in which one's presence is not desired.

Example Question #137 : Synonyms

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

IMMORTAL

Possible Answers:

Inconclusive

Effortless

Laborious

Frequent

Eternal

Correct answer:

Eternal

Explanation:

The prefix "im-" means not, and the Latin root "mort" means death, so it makes sense that "immortal" means not mortal, or not able to die. This makes "eternal," which means lasting forever, the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “effortless” means not requiring effort or done with such skill as to make look extremely easy; “laborious” means difficult and involving hard work; "inconclusive" means not supporting any definite conclusions; and "frequent" means occurring often.

Example Question #91 : Synonyms: Prefixes

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

OBJECT

Possible Answers:

Falter

Theorize

Argue

Concur

Project

Correct answer:

Argue

Explanation:

"Ob-" is a prefix that often means against, and "-ject" derives from roots that mean throw. (Other English words that include "-ject" include "inject," "subject," "project," and "reject.") So, it makes sense that "object," when used as a verb, means argue against something and prevent it from proceeding. Conversationally, "objecting" to something is like "throwing yourself" against it to try to stop it or prove it wrong. The word is often used in court when someone wants to stop the proceedings because he or she disagrees with what has been said or how something has been said. "Oppose," which means be against and dispute, is thus the correct answer choice.

As for the other answer choices, “theorize” means to think and suggest why something is; “project,” when used as a verb, means predict or protrude; “concur” means agree; and "falter" means momentarily pause, stumble, or have one's resolve shaken.

Example Question #138 : Synonyms

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

COLLABORATE

Possible Answers:

Cooperate

Demonstration

Simplicity

Conversation

Training

Correct answer:

Cooperate

Explanation:

The prefix "co-" means together, "labor" means work, and the suffix "-ate" means make or do,  so it makes sense that "collaborate" means work together, especially on a project. "Cooperate," which also features the prefix "co-" and means work together without causing each other trouble, is thus the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “conversation” is talking with another person; “training” means preparation or working to get better at something; and a “demonstration is an instance of showing how something is done by having someone do it; and "simplicity" is ease or the lack of complication.

Example Question #139 : Synonyms

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

OBSCURE

Possible Answers:

Reveal

Responsive

Unclear

Assured

Certain

Correct answer:

Unclear

Explanation:

The prefix "ob-" means against, so it makes sense that "obscure," when used as an adjective, means hard to understand or unknown, making “unclear” the best answer choice. As for the other answer choices, “certain” means sure; “assured” means confident, feeling calm and sure; “responsive” means reacting to stimuli; and “relevant" means pertaining to the subject of something or the matter at hand.

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