All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #561 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AVARICE
Sloth
Generosity
Warmth
Greed
Envy
Greed
“Avarice” is wanting more material wealth than you need, or "greed." As for the other answer choices, “sloth” is laziness; “envy” is jealousy or wanting something that someone else has; “warmth,” when used to describe a person, means open-heartedness, kindness and affection; and “generosity” means kindness in giving liberally.
Example Question #562 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INCENTIVE
Scarcity
Abundance
Discretion
Motivation
Resolve
Motivation
Your “incentive” for doing something is your reasons or "motivation" for acting in that way. As for the other answer choices, “resolve” means determination to pursue a difficult challenge despite obstacles; “discretion” means tact or caution regarding secrets; "scarcity” means rarity or state of having less of something that is desired or needed; and “abundance" means plenty or great quantity.
Example Question #563 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ALACRITY
Desperation
Bewilderment
Competition
Hospitality
Eagerness
Eagerness
“Alacrity” means energetic enthusiasm or "eagerness." As for the other answer choices, “desperation” means reckless despair; “bewilderment” means confusion; “hospitality” means being welcoming to guests and treating them well; and “competition” means a game, often a serious one, in which only one person or team can win.
Example Question #564 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AMBIENCE
Administration
Delegation
Horticulture
Atmosphere
Entrance
Atmosphere
The "ambiance" of a place is its general look and character, or its "atmosphere." As for the other answer choices, an “entrance” is where you can walk into a place; “administration” means the people in charge of running a company or government or the task of keeping such a group running smoothly; a “delegation” is representatives from some group of people; and "horticulture” is the study of growing plants.
Example Question #565 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BLISS
Pride
Celebration
Disaster
Happiness
Gathering
Happiness
“Bliss” is another word for intense happiness, or euphoria, so "happiness" is the correct answer choice. As for the other answer choices, a “disaster” is a terrible thing that happens; “pride” is feeling good about yourself or something you have done; a “celebration” is a festival or party to mark a special occasion; a “gathering” is a get-together, or an act of people coming together.
Example Question #566 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
WRATH
Misery
Anger
Anguish
Envy
Ecstasy
Anger
“Wrath” means great anger and vengeance, so "anger" is the best answer choice. As for the other answer choices, “ecstasy” means great happiness; “envy” means jealousy; "anguish” means great pain and suffering; and “misery” means great sadness.
Example Question #567 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ZEAL
Mistake
Height
Ignorance
Belief
Passion
Passion
“Zeal” means "passion," and someone who is “zealous” is passionate. As for the other answer choices, a "mistake" is an error; a "belief" is something you think to be true; "height" is how tall someone or something is or how far above the ground something is; and "ignorance" is a state of not knowing information, often certain information.
Example Question #568 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PHENOMENON
Idea
Occurrence
Revision
Emotion
Plan
Occurrence
A "phenomenon" is a thing or occurrence, especially one that you are studying or don't completely understand, so "occurrence" is the correct answer.
Example Question #569 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PREROGATIVE
Depiction
Retort
Right
Determination
Posture
Right
A “prerogative” is a privilege or a "right." To provide further help, “depiction” means representation or how something is shown; “determination” is resolve, strength of mind, or fixation on accomplishing one goal; a “retort” is a reply, typically a clever or irritated one; and “posture" means the way in which one carries one's body, e.g. standing up straight or slouching.
Example Question #570 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
COMMENDATION
Expression
Recognition
Judgment
Elation
Order
Recognition
The verb "to commend" means "to praise." Thus, a "commendation" is the actual praise that is received. For example, we might say that someone receives a commendation from the president of the United States for an important scientific breakthrough that will save many lives. Thus, the commendation is the actual praise that is given. It is a bit of an abstract word, for "praise" is not something that we can really touch or see. However, we do often talk like it is: "She received the praise with grace." Thus, someone could also say, "She received the commendation with grace and appreciation." Of the options given, only "recognition" is closest to this kind of praise. When we "recognize" someone, we often mean to call attention to that person and thus to praise him or her.
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