ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #831 : Synonyms

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

DOCILE

Possible Answers:

Smooth

Arrogant

Obedient

Thoughtful

Menacing

Correct answer:

Obedient

Explanation:

"Docile" is an adjective meaning gentle or obedient. For example: The DOCILE dog does not bark, even when facing strangers."

While a "thoughtful" person may also be described as "docile," the words are not specifically synonymous. "Arrogant" is an adjective used to describe someone who is abrasive, overconfident, and haughty. "Menacing" is an adjective used to describe someone who is intimidating or frightening. "Smooth," when used as a personality adjective, describes someone who is suave.

Example Question #832 : Synonyms

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

PLACID

Possible Answers:

Chaotic

Disturbing

Tranquil

Saint

Lake

Correct answer:

Tranquil

Explanation:

"Placid" means calm or peaceful. "Tranquil" also means calm or peaceful. For example: "The placid lake made Sienna feel calm and tranquil."

"Saints" or "lakes" can both be called "placid," but they are not synonyms for this word.

Example Question #833 : Synonyms

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

LOQUACIOUS

Possible Answers:

Sullen

Quiet

Talkative

Exceptional

Redundant

Correct answer:

Talkative

Explanation:

The word "loquacious" can be used to describe someone who talks a lot. If you pay attention to the words that are not the correct answer, none adequately describes a loquacious person. Both "quiet" and "sullen" refer to someone who experiences a moment of silence and even sadness, and are thus antonyms to "loquacious;" "redundant" refers to something that is repetitive, and "exceptional" to something that is above average. The process of elmination should have helped you to answer this question.

Example Question #834 : Synonyms

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

SLEAZY

Possible Answers:

Porous

Reluctant

Feisty

Diverse

Immoral

Correct answer:

Immoral

Explanation:

"Sleazy" means immoral and corrupt, sordid and unpleasant. To provide further help, "porous" means easily penetrated, easily passed through; "diverse" means varied, different; "feisty" means unexpectedly tough, a strong individual who is relatively small; "reluctant" means unwilling

Example Question #835 : Synonyms

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

HAPLESS

Possible Answers:

Unpleasant

Unkind

Uncommon

Unlucky

Unattractive

Correct answer:

Unlucky

Explanation:

"Hapless" means unlucky, consistently unfortunate. You will have noticed that all the answer choices begin with the prefix un-. This is a negating prefix, this means it takes the original meaning of the word and causes it to mean the opposite. For example, "unkind" means not kind and "unpleasant" means not pleasant. Other prefixes in the English language that often have this impact are in- and im-

Example Question #836 : Synonyms

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

OVERBEARING

Possible Answers:

Dominating

Illustrious

Caustic

Vogue

Undocumented

Correct answer:

Dominating

Explanation:

Someone who is "overbearing" is arrogantly dismissive of other's viewpoints, dominating and bullying. To provide further help, "illustrious" means acclaimed, well regarded, highly-praised; "undocumented" means not recorded, not written down; "vogue" means popular, fashionable; "caustic" means sarcastic and bitter.

Example Question #837 : Synonyms

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

PRODIGAL

Possible Answers:

Scornful

Dreadful

Harmful

Lawful

Wasteful

Correct answer:

Wasteful

Explanation:

"Prodigal" means wasteful, spending money needlessly and wastefully. To provide further help, "lawful" means within the law; "dreadful" means terrible; "scornful" means mocking, contemptuous, expressing dislike; "harmful" means causing harm, not helpful.

Example Question #838 : Synonyms

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

CANDID

Possible Answers:

Angry

Deceptive

Truthful

Obnoxious

Loud

Correct answer:

Truthful

Explanation:

Whenever someone is "candid," he or she is honest. Whenever someone has a "candid" personality trait, we say that he or she has candor. These words actually come from the Latin for white. Whenever we are honest or candid, we do not "color over" the truth. We just speak the truth honestly (often bluntly and directly). Thus, the best option for this question is "truthful."

Example Question #839 : Synonyms

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

ASTUTE

Possible Answers:

Detailed

Insightful

Careful

Scholarly

Reflective

Correct answer:

Insightful

Explanation:

Perhaps you have heard the expression "an astute observation. "For example, someone might say, "The teacher was impressed by the astute observation made by Susan. Her remark was insightful and intelligent." Whenever we are astute, we are able to understand a situation or topic quickly and ably. Often, we are able to use that knowledge to our own advantage. For this question, however, we do not need to worry about this second part of the meaning. The only option that expresses a synonym for astute is "insightful." Even if someone is reflective, this is not the same as being insightful. A reflective person is someone who can think about things deeply. Often reflective people can be astute, but the word "reflective" is not as good of a synonym for "astute" as is "insightful."

Example Question #840 : Synonyms

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

CHARMING

Possible Answers:

Pleasing

Wealthy

Complete

Grateful

Beautiful

Correct answer:

Pleasing

Explanation:

Whenever someone is "charming," we like to be in his or her presence. A "charming" attitude or demeanor is one that is pleasant and likeable. When we are "charmed" by something, we are "pleased" by that thing (and often desire to have it). Thus, the best option among those provided is "pleasing." Whenever someone says, "He is a very charming person," he or she likely means, "He is very pleasing to be around."

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