ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #290 : Identifying Synonyms

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

POROUS

Possible Answers:

Rakish

Holey

Elegant

Utter

Passive

Correct answer:

Holey

Explanation:

"Porous" means full of small holes or capable of absorbing liquids, so "holey," which also means full of holes, is the best choice here. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "porous": "passive" means not active; "utter" means absolute when used as an adjective; "elegant" means graceful or sophisticated; and "rakish" means dashing but disreputable.

Example Question #37 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

AMORPHOUS

Possible Answers:

Shapely

Artistic

Deep

Formless

Correct answer:

Formless

Explanation:

The word "amorphous" means not having a defined shape. The best choice is "formless" as it shares the same definition as "amorphous." 

Example Question #38 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Synonyms: Select the word or phrase that best matches the word in capital letters. 

AMORPHOUS

Possible Answers:

Without light

Without money

Without color

Without education

Without shape

Correct answer:

Without shape

Explanation:

"Amorphous" means without a clear shape or form.

Example Question #39 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

Synonyms: Select the word or phrase that best matches the word in capital letters.

SYMMETRICAL

Possible Answers:

Sinister

Sudden

Unbalanced

Sideways

Balanced

Correct answer:

Balanced

Explanation:

"Symmetrical" is defined as regular in form or arrangement. This is similar to "balanced."

Example Question #291 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DISHEVELED

Possible Answers:

Insonsistent

Disorderly

Inconsiderate

Undue

Unharmonious

Correct answer:

Disorderly

Explanation:

"Disheveled" means very disorderly in appearance, or in a state of disarray. For example, you might say, "Joe's room was very disheveled, as his schoolwork was all over the floor and none of his clothes were put away." So, "disorderly" is the correct answer.

Example Question #292 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PREPOSSESSING

Possible Answers:

Ugly 

Beautiful 

Cute 

Fat 

Short 

Correct answer:

Beautiful 

Explanation:

"Prepossessing" means having a beautiful appearance, so "beautiful" is the correct answer.

Example Question #293 : Identifying Synonyms

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

STABLE

Possible Answers:

Equine

Manic

Prepared

Inconsiderate

Steady

Correct answer:

Steady

Explanation:

“Stable” means steady and secure, so "steady" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “prepared” means ready; "inconsiderate" means not thinking about the feelings of others when making choices; "equine" means having to do with horses; and “manic” means frenzied or out of control in a way that seems deranged.

Example Question #655 : Synonyms

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

PITHY

Possible Answers:

Sadness 

Trusting 

Deep

Brief

Sympathy 

Correct answer:

Brief

Explanation:

"Pithy" means brief and to the point. Therefore, "pithy" is closest in meaning to "brief."

Example Question #651 : Synonyms

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

TERSE

Possible Answers:

Parched

Shallow

Verbose

Passionate

Concise

Correct answer:

Concise

Explanation:

"Terse" means brief or concise, so "concise" is the correct answer. "Verbose" is an antonym of "terse"; it means very long and wordy. None of the other answer choices are related in meaning to "terse": "parched" means very dry; "shallow" means not very deep; and "passionate" means having a strong feeling or conviction.

Example Question #295 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INCLEMENT

Possible Answers:

Impressionable

Dogmatic

Autumnal

Summery

Stormy

Correct answer:

Stormy

Explanation:

“Inclement” means stormy, severe, or wintry and describes weather, so "stormy" is the best answer choice. As for the other answer choices, “summery” means characteristic of summer; “autumnal” means characteristic of fall; “dogmatic” means stating one’s thoughts forcefully and consistently; and “impressionable” means easily influenced by other people.

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