ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #151 : Synonyms

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

DISPEL

Possible Answers:

Censor

Eliminate

Establish

Insert

Embrace

Correct answer:

Eliminate

Explanation:

The Latin prefix dis- means apart or away; in this case, dispel means to take away. For example, to "dispel" a rumor is to get rid of it or squash it through some action of proof (against it). The words "embrace," "establish," and "insert" antonyms to "dispel." The word "censor" is the forceful blocking of another person's freedom of expression or action. It is a higher degree of intensity in relation to dispel. Therefore, the best option is "eliminate." 

Example Question #152 : Synonyms

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

COLLISION

Possible Answers:

Replace

Accord

Crash

Success

Disagreement

Correct answer:

Crash

Explanation:

The Latin prefix col- means together, joint, as in "collaborate" which means to work together. So, a "collision" is a coming together, a crash, an accident. When two cars hit one another this is called a "collision." To provide additional help, "accord" means agreement, harmony

Example Question #153 : Synonyms

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

VIVACIOUS

Possible Answers:

Homely

Lively

Nomadic

Lifeless

Homeless

Correct answer:

Lively

Explanation:

The Latin prefix viv- means life, live, as in "revive" which means bring back to life. So, "vivacious" means full of life, spirited, lively. To provide further help, "lifeless" means not alive, not moving; "homely" means plain, unattractive; "homeless" means without a home; "nomadic" describes someone who moves constantly and does not live in any one place.

Example Question #154 : Synonyms

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

CREDENCE

Possible Answers:

Communication

Hope

Faith

Industry

Suspicion

Correct answer:

Faith

Explanation:

The latin prefix cred- means believe, as in "incredible" which means not believable, too amazing to be accepted as true. So, "credence" means faith, belief, trust, confidence in something being true. Additionally, "suspicion" is a sneaking feeling that something is true; "industry" is work or business.

Example Question #155 : Synonyms

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

BELLIGERENT

Possible Answers:

Opulent

Passive

Penniless

Aggressive

Lofty

Correct answer:

Aggressive

Explanation:

The Latin prefix bell- means war, as in "bellicose" which means warlike. So, "belligerent" means hostile, aggressive, desiring conflict. To provide further help, "lofty" means tall, imposing; "penniless" means very poor; "opulent" means luxurious; "passive" means not aggressive.

Example Question #156 : Synonyms

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

AMBLE

Possible Answers:

Sprint

Rest

Stroll

Elicit

Demean

Correct answer:

Stroll

Explanation:

The Latin prefix ambul- means walk, move, as in "ambulance" a vehicle that moves a patient to the hospital. So, to "amble" means to walk slowly, to wander, to stroll. To provide additional help, "sprint" means run fast; "demean" means embarrass, humiliate; "elicit" means bring out of someone, get a response to.

Example Question #157 : Synonyms

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

LUNACY

Possible Answers:

Madness

Severe

Abundance

Perilous

Youthfulness

Correct answer:

Madness

Explanation:

The Latin prefix lun- means moon, as in "lunar cycle" which refers to the movement of the moon. So, this one is a little more difficult to decipher than usual because it relies on some interesting knowledge of the distant past. People use to believe that the moon affects people's moods (some people still believe this) and can cause conditions like insanity. So "lunacy" means madness (caused by the moon), insanity, craziness. To provide additional help, "abundance" means a large and more than adequate supply of something; "severe" means harsh or intense; "perilous" means dangerous; "youthfulness" is the quality of being young

Example Question #158 : Synonyms

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

OPTIMUM

Possible Answers:

Gaze

Loose

Tight

Ideal

Worst

Correct answer:

Ideal

Explanation:

The Latin prefix opt- means best. So, "optimum" means best, ideal, perfect circumstances. Other examples of opt- words include "optimal" which means best and "optimize" which means to improve, to make perfect. Additionally, to "gaze" means to look, to stare

Example Question #159 : Synonyms

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

RUPTURE

Possible Answers:

Renovate

Mend

Break

Repair

Fix

Correct answer:

Break

Explanation:

The Latin prefix rupt- means break. So, "rupture" means to break, to fracture, to break or burst suddenly without warning. To provide further help, the other four answer choices all mean to fix, to make something work again. They are all antonyms of "rupture." 

Example Question #160 : Synonyms

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

VERACITY

Possible Answers:

Truth

Deception

Loathing

Reverence

Adoration

Correct answer:

Truth

Explanation:

The Latin prefix ver- means truth, as in "verify" which means to prove or make sure something is true. So, "veracity" means truth, honesty. To provide additional help, "deception" is trickery, lies; "loathing" is deep hatred; "adoration" is profound love and respect; "reverence" is deep respect.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors