All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #261 : Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
AQUEOUS
Suggested
Sedimentary
Wispy
Watery
Watery
The word "aqueous" means watery or pertaining to water. The best choice is "watery," as it is a part of the definition of "aqueous." Considering the other choices, "sedimentary" means having to do with sediment, "wispy" means light and delicate, and "suggested" means mentioned for consideration.
Example Question #262 : Synonyms
Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
TACTILE
Able to be touched
Able to be tasted
Able to be seen
Able to be heard
Able to be improved
Able to be touched
The prefix "tact-" means related to touch, so “tactile” means able to be touched. To provide further help, “audible” means able to be heard; “visible” means able to be seen. Notice that the suffix "-ible" means able to be.
Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Roots
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
ACRID
Cantankerous
Pacifying
Soothing
Jaunty
Sharp
Sharp
The prefix "acri-" means related to bitterness or harshness. The word “acrid” means unpleasantly sharp or bitter in smell or taste. To provide further help, “soothing” means comforting; “pacifying” means calming; “jaunty” means cheerful; “cantankerous” means grumpy.
Example Question #12 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DUCTILE
Original
Rigid
Sticky
Hollow
Pliant
Pliant
The Latin root "duct" means to lead. You may, for example, have seen an "aqueduct," which literally "leads water" in a particular direction. Someone or something that is "ductile" is "able to be led," in the sense of being easily influenced or bendable. This is also the meaning of the word "pliant." "Rigid" is an antonym.
Example Question #13 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
OCULAR
Blessed
Condemned
Audio
Visual
Tactile
Visual
The prefix "ocu-" refers to being able to see, or to the eyes. This is similar to the prefix "vis-," which means to see. We can infer that “ocular” and “visual” are closely related to one another. To provide further help, “audio” means having to do with sound and hearing; “tactile” means able to be touched; “condemned” means considered guilty and awaiting punishment.
Example Question #14 : Synonyms: Roots
Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
TENABLE
Catastrophic
Ambiguous
Sporadic
Debunk
Reasonable
Reasonable
The prefix "ten-" means able to be held or defended, so the word “tenable” describes an idea that is able to be held or defended. We could also call this a “reasonable” idea. To provide further help, “debunk” means disprove; “catastrophic” means disastrous; “ambiguous” means unclear; “sporadic” means random and occurring infrequently.
Example Question #15 : Synonyms: Roots
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
PLACID
Dirty
Soft
Slow
Silver
Calm
Calm
The word "placid" means calm and peaceful. For example, one might write, "You could see your reflection like a mirror image in the placid lake." So, "calm" is the correct answer.
Example Question #16 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AGRARIAN
Scientific
Literary
Agricultural
Urban
Faithful
Agricultural
The prefix "agr-" means having to do with farming or the land, as seen in the word “agriculture.” The word “agrarian” means having to do with to the land or agriculture, so "of land" is the correct answer.
Example Question #264 : Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
HOSPITABLE
Incompatible
Neighborly
Ideal
Cautious
Neighborly
"Hospitable" means generous and friendly in entertaining guests, so "neighborly" would be the best match, as both words mean friendly.
Example Question #17 : Synonyms: Roots
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
HOSPITABLE
Hostile
Friendly
Guest
Bored
Friendly
"Hospitable" means receiving guests warmly and generously. The best choice is "friendly" because it means showing kindness and helpfulness. Someone who receives guests warmly and generously would be acting in a friendly manner toward those guests.
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All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
