ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #491 : Synonyms

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

ANALOGY

Possible Answers:

distortion

equivalence

similarity

replacement

Correct answer:

similarity

Explanation:

An "analogy" can be a type of comparison drawn between two different things, often expressed in a proportion. For instance: "As the eye sees so does the ear hear." These are based upon a certain similarity. For example, the eye and the ear each have their own ways of sensing things—or at least that is implied in the analogy. Therefore, we can also speak of an "analogy" as being a type of similarity. For instance, you could say, "They eye has a certain analogy to the ear, in that they both are used in sensing." (Of course, there are more poetic uses of analogy than this.) The best option is "similarity." Do not be fooled into thinking "equivalence" is correct, for an analogy is precisely something that is not strictly equivalent.

Example Question #492 : Synonyms

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

ALLOY

Possible Answers:

Homonym

Angle 

Antonym 

Hybrid

Aerial 

Correct answer:

Hybrid

Explanation:

An “alloy” is a mixture of metals and as such, it is closest in meaning to “hybrid,” which means mixture of two or more components. To provide further help, “aerial” means mid-air, in the air; a “homonym” is a word that sounds the same as another word but has a different spelling and meaning; an “antonym” is a word that means the opposite of another word

Example Question #493 : Synonyms

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

ANNUITY

Possible Answers:

Tax

Tariff 

Pension 

Expenditure 

Income 

Correct answer:

Pension 

Explanation:

The prefix "ann-" means yearly and an “annuity” is a sum of money given out annually. It is most similar to “pension,” which means money saved for or paid during retirement on a fixed, usually yearly basis. To provide further help, “tax” is money people pay to the government so that it can function; a “tariff” is money charged by the government to ship goods into or out of the country; “expenditure” is money spent; "income” is money earned

Example Question #494 : Synonyms

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

ACCORD

Possible Answers:

Happiness

Reverence

Agreement

Esteem

Victory

Correct answer:

Agreement

Explanation:

If you are in "accord" with someone or something, it means you are in agreement with that person or thing.

Example Question #495 : Synonyms

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

ACCENT

Possible Answers:

Dangle

Niche

Highlight 

Mentor 

Refute

Correct answer:

Highlight 

Explanation:

An “accent” is a type of speaking distinct to a regional group of people or a mark placed over a vowel to indicate emphasis. However, when used as a verb, “accent” means emphasize the importance of something, so "highlight" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "accent": a "mentor" is an advisor; a "niche" is a suitable role; "refute" means to prove that an argument or point is incorrect; and "dangle" means swing or be suspended in midair.

Example Question #496 : Synonyms

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

CLEMENCY

Possible Answers:

Intent

Danger

Discombobulation

Cruelty

Mercy

Correct answer:

Mercy

Explanation:

The word "clemency" means mercy. The word "mercy" is the best choice because it is a part of the definition of "clemency." Considering the other choices, "cruelty" means great unkindness directed towards another sentient living thing, "intent" means purpose, "discombobulation" means confusion, and "danger" means hazard.

Example Question #497 : Synonyms

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

PENCHANT

Possible Answers:

Tantrum

Market

Fondness

Cylinder

Oddity

Correct answer:

Fondness

Explanation:

"Penchant" means a liking or fondness. For example, if someone has a "penchant for chocolate cake," they really like chocolate cake. "Fondness" is thus the correct answer.

Example Question #498 : Synonyms

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

QUALM

Possible Answers:

Connection

Donation

Storm

Misgiving

Silence

Correct answer:

Misgiving

Explanation:

A "qualm" is a sense of uneasiness or misgiving about something, often due to the still, small voice of one's conscience. A swindler may have no qualms about bilking you out of your hard-earned money. Don't be tricked into picking "storm" for this question—there may be a "calm" (but not a qualm) before a storm, and a "squall" (violent gust of wind) may accompany a storm, but these words are unrelated to "qualm."

Example Question #499 : Synonyms

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

AFFRONT

Possible Answers:

Insult

Mollify 

Soothe 

Malice

Allay 

Correct answer:

Insult

Explanation:

An “affront” is an insult, an offense. To provide further guidance, "allay," soothe and mollify are all synonyms. All three words mean to calm, to ease. Finally, malice is a feeling of hatred, an intent to do harm.

Example Question #500 : Synonyms

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

PACT

Possible Answers:

Measurement

Rule

Credit

Contract

Break

Correct answer:

Contract

Explanation:

A "pact" is an agreement. The best choice is "contract," which means a legally enforceable agreement between two or more individuals or organizations. Considering the other choices, "break" means smash into parts, "credit" means the ability to buy things that you will then pay for at a later time or trustworthiness when used as a noun and attribute as a verb, and "rule" means a code by which people abide.

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