ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #251 : Synonyms

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

SPECIFY

Possible Answers:

Identify

Suggest

Generalize

Fake

Recognize

Correct answer:

Identify

Explanation:

The word "specify" is related to the word "species." Although we use this in biology to discuss particular classes of animals, the word "species" has a broader definition that comes from its use in logic. When we talk about a general class of things, we call that its "genus." (We do this in biology as well.) The members of that general class are its "species." They are "specific" members—you can see how all of these words are related. When something is "specified," it is pointed out, or made specific and thus can be said to be "identified." This is the best option among those provided. Do not be tricked by "recognize," which is close in meaning to this but not exactly the same. Something can be recognized without being specifically identified.

Example Question #252 : Synonyms

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

NOTIFY

Possible Answers:

Instill

Provide

Inform

Rest

Bother

Correct answer:

Inform

Explanation:

"Notify" is a verb meaning inform or bring to the attention of, so the answer choice closest in meaning is "inform" a verb that means notify. Considering the other choices, none are close in meaning to "notify": "bother," when used as a verb, means annoy; "rest," when used as a verb, means relax and take a break in order to regain energy; and "provide" means give.

Example Question #253 : Synonyms

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

AQUEDUCT

Possible Answers:

Solubility

Transmission

Container

Conduit 

Pool

Correct answer:

Conduit 

Explanation:

The root "aqua" refers to water, and the suffix "-duct" refers to something that carries something else, so an “aqueduct” is a pipe that carries drinking water from a source to a population center. Another word for something that carries things from one place to another is a “conduit.” To provide further help, "solubility" is how well a substance dissolves in water or another solute, a "transmission" is the transferral of something from one place to another; a "container" is something used to store or hold something else; and a "pool" is a small artificial body of water used for recreational swimming.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Roots

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

MEMENTO

Possible Answers:

Catchphrase 

Heretical 

Insistence

Rancorous 

Reminder 

Correct answer:

Reminder 

Explanation:

A "memento" is a souvenir or a reminder of past events, so "reminder" is the correct answer. To help you, a "catchphrase" is a repeated saying associated with an individual or a character, "rancorous" means unforgiving or angry, and "heretical" means dissenting from the popular or traditional opinion, unorthodox, or going against established religious ideas.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

BENEDICTION

Possible Answers:

Curse 

Dystopia

Utopia 

Blessing 

Euphemism 

Correct answer:

Blessing 

Explanation:

A "benediction" is a blessing, so "blessing" is the correct answer. To provide further help, a "euphemism" is a word or phrase used in place of a rude or offensive term, a "utopia" is an ideal paradise, whereas a "dystopia" is a world in which everything has gone wrong and the opposite of a "utopia."

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

SCRIPTURE

Possible Answers:

Biblical writings 

Impossible equations 

Mathematical equations

Victorian writings

Scientific writings 

Correct answer:

Biblical writings 

Explanation:

The prefix "script-" refers to writing and is related to the suffix "scribe," such as in “inscribe” or “transcribe.” “Scripture” commonly refers to Biblical writings

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

ANACHRONISM

Possible Answers:

Testament 

Diatribe 

Monument 

Relic 

Hypothesis 

Correct answer:

Relic 

Explanation:

"Chron-" refers to time or the passage of time, so an “anachronism” is something from a previous period of history or something out of its time. Its former meaning is closest in definition to a “relic,” which is an object left over from the past. To provide further help, a “testament” is evidence; a “monument” is something built to remember a great person or event; a “hypothesis” is an idea or theory that requires investigation; a “diatribe” is an angry verbal attack.

Example Question #254 : Synonyms

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

ACRIMONY

Possible Answers:

Influx

Rancor 

Monument 

Celebration 

Admonition 

Correct answer:

Rancor 

Explanation:

The prefix "acri-" refers to bitterness, either a bitter sensation or a bitterness of personality. In this instance it is the latter usage that is relevant, as “acrimony” is a feeling of bitterness towards someone else. This is similar in meaning to “hostility,” or “rancor,” which means resentment. To provide further help, “influx" means arrival of a large group of things or people; a “monument” is a statue built to commemorate someone or some event; and “admonition” means caution or warning.

Example Question #255 : Synonyms

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

NOMENCLATURE

Possible Answers:

Title

Taxonomy

Fatigue

Pseudonym

Discrepancy

Correct answer:

Taxonomy

Explanation:

The prefix "nom-" means related to names, and “nomenclature” means a naming system. As such, it is most similar in meaning to “taxonomy,” which is another name for a system of naming and identifying things. To provide further help, a “discrepancy” is an inconsistency; a “pseudonym” is a fake name or a nickname; "fatigue" is exhaustion or extreme tiredness, and a "title" is the name by which a work of art or literature is known.

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

VOCATION

Possible Answers:

Occupation

Account

Task

Information

Homework

Correct answer:

Occupation

Explanation:

Since "vocation" is a noun that means job or profession we're looking for another noun that also means job. "Task" sounds like it might be the correct answer, but a "task" is a job in the sense of a piece of work to be done, it is not a day-to-day job or profession. "Occupation," on the other hand, means a job or profession, so it is the correct answer.

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