ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #771 : Synonyms

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

STOIC

Possible Answers:

Belligerent

Peevish

Assenting

Uncomplaining

Dissenting

Correct answer:

Uncomplaining

Explanation:

"Stoic," when used as an adjective, means "enduring pain and hardship without showing one's feelings or complaining." So, we need to pick out an adjective that means something like "enduring hardship without complaining." So, that means that "peevish" cannot be the correct answer, because "peevish" means "easily irritated, especially by unimportant things," making "peevish" an antonym, not a synonym, of "stoic." "Uncomplaining," however, is an adjective that means "not complaining; resigned," and because "uncomplaining" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "stoic," "uncomplaining" is the correct answer.

Example Question #772 : Synonyms

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

STRINGENT

Possible Answers:

Belittle

Rigorous

Fake

Striped

Correct answer:

Rigorous

Explanation:

The word "stringent" means strict or severe. The best choice is "rigorous," as it also means severe. Considering the other choices, "striped" means having stripes, "fake" means not real, and "belittle" is a verb that means portray as less important or impressive.

Example Question #773 : Synonyms

A synonym of "deferential" is __________.

Possible Answers:

derelict

nimble

insulting

proportionate

reverential

Correct answer:

reverential

Explanation:

"Deferential" is an adjective that means "showing deference; respectful," so we need to pick out an adjective that means something like "respectful." So, "insulting" cannot be the correct answer, because "insulting" is an adjective that means "disrespectful or scornfully abusive," making the word an antonym, not a synonym, of "deferential." "Reverential," however, means "of the nature of, due to, or characterized by reverence," where "reverence" is a noun meaning "deep respect for someone or something." Because "reverential" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "deferential," "reverential" is the correct answer.

Example Question #774 : Synonyms

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

IMPETUOUS

Possible Answers:

Reckless

Domineering 

Feckless 

Spiteful

Juvenile

Correct answer:

Reckless

Explanation:

Someone who is “impetuous” is rude and reckless. To provide further help, “reckless” means not careful; “spiteful” means cruel and desiring revenge; “domineering” means accustomed to taking charge; “juvenile” means immature.

Example Question #775 : Synonyms

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

INDUSTRIOUS

Possible Answers:

Hard-working

Dedicated

Mischievous

Feeble

Minor

Correct answer:

Hard-working

Explanation:

"Industrious" means hard-working or diligent, so "hard-working" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "industrious": "feeble" means weak or fragile; "mischievous" describes a person that is often in trouble; "minor" means relatively unimportant; and "dedicated" means focused or willing to put a lot of time and energy into some activity.

Example Question #776 : Synonyms

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

RESOLUTE

Possible Answers:

Baffling

Loud

Waffling

Just

Unfaltering

Correct answer:

Unfaltering

Explanation:

"Resolute" is an adjective that means "admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering," so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "unwavering." "Waffling," then, cannot be the correct answer because "waffling" means "failing to make up one's mind," so "waffling" is an antonym of "resolute," not a synonym. "Unfaltering," however, is an adjective that means "not faltering; steady; resolute." Because "unfaltering" is the answer choice that is closest in meaning to "resolute," "unfaltering" is the correct answer.

Example Question #777 : Synonyms

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

TENACIOUS

Possible Answers:

Courageous

Humble

Passionate

Determined

Argumentative

Correct answer:

Determined

Explanation:

"Tenacious" means determined, or unwilling to give up. Therefore, the word with the closest meaning to "tenacious" is "determined."

Example Question #778 : Synonyms

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

STEADFAST

Possible Answers:

Faithful

Nervous

Frivolous

Talkative

Quick

Correct answer:

Faithful

Explanation:

"Steadfast" is an adjective that means firm and unwavering. "Faithful" is the best choice because it means firm in one's loyalty. Considering the other choices, "bent" means physically pressed out of shape,"quick" means done in little time, and "frivolous" means having little importance.

Example Question #779 : Synonyms

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

BASHFUL

Possible Answers:

Coy

Obliterated

Beautiful

Jealous

Secret

Correct answer:

Coy

Explanation:

"Bashful" is an adjective that means shy. The best choice is "coy" because it has a similar definition—flirtatiously shy. Considering the other choices, "obliterated" means destroyed, "jealous" means feeling resentment out of desire for another person's success or belongings, "beautiful" means very aesthetically pleasant, and "secret" means known only to one person or few people.

Example Question #780 : Synonyms

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

TACITURN

Possible Answers:

Outgoing

Extravagant

Eloquent

Limber

Reserved

Correct answer:

Reserved

Explanation:

“Taciturn” means quiet, reserved, and not saying much, so "reserved" is the correct answer; “outgoing” means loud and sociable; “extravagant” means fancy and expensive; "limber" means able to bend and stretch one's body; and “eloquent” means well-spoken.

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