ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #71 : Synonyms: Nouns

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

FINESSE

Possible Answers:

Optimism

Originality

Approval

Dedication

Refinement

Correct answer:

Refinement

Explanation:

Finesse means refinement or a polished way of speaking or acting, so "refinement" is the correct answer.

Example Question #441 : Synonyms

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

METTLE

Possible Answers:

Novice

Fleet

Courage

Timidity

Iron

Correct answer:

Courage

Explanation:

"Mettle" is defined as strength of spirit, so "courage" is the best match. "Timidity," which means lack of courage, is the opposite.

Example Question #442 : Synonyms

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

CALAMITY

Possible Answers:

Competence

Hoax

Frenzy

Catastrophe

Boon

Correct answer:

Catastrophe

Explanation:

"Calamity" is defined as catastrophe or disaster, so the best choice would be "catastrophe." "Boon," which means benefit or blessing, is an opposite.

Example Question #443 : Synonyms

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

MANDATE

Possible Answers:

Day

Decree

Chronicle

Breach

Correct answer:

Decree

Explanation:

A "mandate" is an order. The best choice is "decree" because it shares the same meaning. Considering the other choices, "day" is the period of time during which the sun is above the horizon, a "chronicle" is a record of events from start to finish, and "breach," when used as a noun, means an act of breaking a rule or agreement or a gap in a wall.

Example Question #444 : Synonyms

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

AUDIO

Possible Answers:

Wise

Sound

Audacious

Audience

Correct answer:

Sound

Explanation:

"Audio" is another word for sound. "Sound" is the best choice because it is a part of the definition of "audio." Considering the other options, an "audience" is a group of people who are watching or listening to a particular event, "audacious" means daring or reckless, and "wise" means characterized by having knowledge and good judgement.

Example Question #445 : Synonyms

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

PARITY

Possible Answers:

Part

Problem

Parched

Equality

Correct answer:

Equality

Explanation:

The word "parity" means equality. "Equality" is the best choice as it is a part of the meaning of "parity." Considering the other options, "part" means a piece of something larger, a "problem" is a difficulty or a question to be solved, and "parched" means excessively dry or very thirsty.

Example Question #446 : Synonyms

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

OBLOQUY

Possible Answers:

Oblivious

Quiz

Censure

Local

Correct answer:

Censure

Explanation:

An "obloquy" is abusive language aimed at a person or thing. The best choice is "censure," as it shares the same definition as "obloquy." Considering the other choices, "quiz" means an examination or test, "local" means having to do with or originating in a particular areaand "oblivious" means unknowing.

Example Question #447 : Synonyms

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

EPIDEMIC

Possible Answers:

Illness

Disaster

Widespread

Harm 

Outbreak

Correct answer:

Outbreak

Explanation:

An "epidemic" is a widespread outbreak of a certain disease. Therefore, "outbreak" is the word most similar in meaning to "epidemic."

Example Question #448 : Synonyms

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

ENIGMA

Possible Answers:

Mystery

Surprise

Problem 

Frustration 

Evil 

Correct answer:

Mystery

Explanation:

An "enigma" is a mystery or puzzle. For example, one might write, "No one is sure whether Bigfoot actually exists: it is quite the enigma." So, "mystery" is the correct answer.

Example Question #449 : Synonyms

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

AMBIANCE

Possible Answers:

Opulence

Atmosphere 

Stark 

Intelligence 

Virtuoso 

Correct answer:

Atmosphere 

Explanation:

"Ambiance" means the atmosphere of a place. So for example, one might say, “The quiet café had such a peaceful, serene ambiance.” So, because "atmosphere" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "ambiance," "atmosphere" is the correct answer. To help you, "opulence" means wealth and luxury, a "virtuoso" is someone who is highly skilled at something, often to do with music, and "stark" means barren, harsh, or bleak.

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