ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #24 : Synonyms: Distinguishing Between Multiple Definitions

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

CRUDE

Possible Answers:

Dusty

Ordinary

Unintelligent

Normal

Simple

Correct answer:

Simple

Explanation:

The word "crude" can be used to describe someone or something  that is not refined or developed. Thus, when we call a person "crude," we generally mean that the person is crass or rude. The word can be used to describe things like tools that are just simple and undeveloped. Thus, we can say that a stone that is tied to a stick is a kind of crude hammer. It is a very simple hammer—not quite as complex and developed as the modern hammers you would buy at the store!

Example Question #31 : Synonyms

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

ASSEMBLE

Possible Answers:

Make

Compute

Vend

Benefit

Question

Correct answer:

Make

Explanation:

“Assemble” can mean put together from parts or come together as a group, so "make" is the correct answer. “Benefit” means provide help to; “vend” means sell; and “compute” means calculate.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

A synonym of "maroon" is __________.

Possible Answers:

rescue

strand

pardon

maintain

waver

Correct answer:

strand

Explanation:

"Maroon" is a verb that means "leave someone trapped and isolated in an inaccessible place, especially an island." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "abandon." "Rescue," then, cannot be the correct answer because "rescue" is an antonym of "maroon." "Strand," however, when used as a verb, means either "drive or leave a boat, sailor, or sea creature aground on a shore," or "leave someone without the means to move from somewhere." Because "strand" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "maroon," "strand" is the correct answer.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

ANCHOR

Possible Answers:

lengthen

change

imitate

secure

follow

Correct answer:

secure

Explanation:

"Anchor" means to secure firmly in position.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

EXTRACT

Possible Answers:

push

remove

edit

write

Correct answer:

remove

Explanation:

The word "extract" literally means pull out. The prefix "ex-" should be familiar, for it is used in words like "exit" (go out) and "exhume" (dig a body out of the ground). The "-tract" portion comes from the Latin for to pull. It is related to the word "tractor"—a farm vehicle that pulls large machinery. Therefore, to "extract" means pull out. Among the options provided, "remove" is the best synonym for "extract." Sometimes, we use the word "extract" to describe how someone can "pull out" a selection of text from a larger work. This smaller section is "extracted" and is sometimes called an "extract." However, do not be fooled into thinking that "write" or "edit" mean the same thing as such textual extraction!

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

GORGE

Possible Answers:

Poke

Beautify

Cultivate

Defend

Stuff

Correct answer:

Stuff

Explanation:

There are a couple meanings of "gorge" that you may be familiar with, both of which derive from an old French word meaning "throat." As a noun, a gorge is a narrow pass, often between mountains. Since our synonym options here are verbs, though, we need to use the verb "gorge," which means to consume greedily. The most literal sense would involve eating (filling your "throat"), though you can also gorge (or stuff) yourself metaphorically with things like knowledge or a movie marathon.

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

BUFF

Possible Answers:

Polish

Jesting

Invited

Forgotten

Malinger

Correct answer:

Polish

Explanation:

"Buff" is a word that can take on a variety of meanings; as an adjective, it can mean " a yellowish-beige color" or, more informally, "being in good physical shape with fine muscle tone." As a verb, "buff" can mean "polish something." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "yellow," "in good physical shape," or "polish something." "Polish" is an answer choice, and because it is the answer choice that is closest in meaning to "buff," "polish" is the correct answer.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

EXACT

Possible Answers:

Extract

Inimitable

Imprecise

Unavoidable

Impoverished

Correct answer:

Extract

Explanation:

When used as an adjective, "exact" means precise, but when used as a verb, "exact" means imposecompel, or take from. So, it is closest in meaning to "extract," a verb that means to take. "Impoverished" (lacking money; poor) might be a consequence of having a fee exacted, but is not a synonym of "exact," while "unavoidable" (not able to be avoided) is unrelated in meaning. "Imprecise," which means not precise or sloppy, is an antonym of "exact" when "exact" is used as an adjective; "inimitable," which means incomparable or unequal, is also dissimilar in meaning to "exact."

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

JAR

Possible Answers:

Flex

Shake

Appease

Tremble

Mar

Correct answer:

Shake

Explanation:

Don't get the verb confused with the noun: when used as a verb, "jar" means send a painful and damaging shock. "Shake" is the best match, because "shake" can mean shock, distress, or discompose.

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Determining Part Of Speech

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

EXTRACT

Possible Answers:

Found

Improve

Remove 

Imply 

Demand 

Correct answer:

Remove 

Explanation:

To "extract" means to remove, so "remove" is the correct answer. To help you, to "imply" means to suggest without directly stating, to "founder" means to struggle and sink, and an "impasse" is a deadlock.

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