ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #921 : Synonyms

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

APT

Possible Answers:

Dull

Appropriate

Jarring

Explicable

Applicable

Correct answer:

Appropriate

Explanation:

“Apt” means appropriate, right, and correct for a given situation, so "appropriate" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “applicable” means able to be applied or related to a situation or circumstance; “explicable” means able to be explained; "jarring" means sudden and shocking or rattling and jolting; and "dull" means blunt and not sharp or boring.

Example Question #922 : Synonyms

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

AMBIGUOUS

Possible Answers:

Imprecise

Mammalian

Dexterous

Able

Argumentative

Correct answer:

Imprecise

Explanation:

When something is ambiguous, it is not distinct. For example, someone might shrug his or her shoulders. This action may indicate either not caring or meaning that the person is okay with what was said (or perhaps something entirely different). Such a gesture is thus said to be "ambiguous," for its meaning can go many different ways. (The word comes from roots that mean driving or going both ways at once. You might know the ambi- prefix, which means both. It is related to the word ambidextrous, which means using both hands ably.) Thus, the best option among those provided is imprecise. When something is "precise," it is exact. The "im-" prefix here is what is called a "privitive prefix." It is a prefix that means not. Therefore, "imprecise" means not precise—quite like being ambiguous!

Example Question #923 : Synonyms

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

COVERT

Possible Answers:

Denied

Undercover

Blanket

Visible

Attitude

Correct answer:

Undercover

Explanation:

"Covert" means hidden or undercover. Spies often go on covert operations which means that it is a secret operation. "Visible" means able to be seen. "Blanket" is a concrete noun referring to a cloth object used as a cover for warmth. "

Example Question #924 : Synonyms

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

INTENTIONAL

Possible Answers:

Relatable

Indeterminate

Ambiguous

Blurry

Deliberate

Correct answer:

Deliberate

Explanation:

Look at your answer choices--how would you categorize the words? "Indeterminate," "ambiguous," and "blurry" all refer to something that is not easily known, understood, or perceived. "Relatable" means that you can easily relate to or connect with that that person or thing. "Deliberate" means that there is a clear intention to the action described; in other words, it is "intentional."

Example Question #925 : Synonyms

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

PAINSTAKING

Possible Answers:

Careless

Hapless

Helpless

Helpful

Careful

Correct answer:

Careful

Explanation:

"Painstaking" means done with great care and patience, meticulous and careful. To provide further help, "hapless" means hopeless, unfortunate, unlucky

Example Question #926 : Synonyms

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

HAZARDOUS

Possible Answers:

Welcoming

Unnerving

Dangerous

Urging

Encouraging

Correct answer:

Dangerous

Explanation:

A "hazard" is a danger, so something that is "hazardous" is dangerous. To provide further help, "unnerving" means troubling, worrying; "urging" means begging, pleading.

Example Question #927 : Synonyms

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

PARTICULAR

Possible Answers:

Dirty

Distinct

Lazy

Achieving

Incomplete

Correct answer:

Distinct

Explanation:

For the word particular, do not be confused by the "part" portion of the word. The word "particular" is not primarily concerned with being a part (in contrast to being a whole). Instead, something is particular when it is specific. For example, whenever you say, "I have a particular color in mind," this means that you actually have a specific color picked out. You are not undecided. Thus, the best option given here is "distinct."  Something that is particular is also distinct. The word can also be used to describe someone who is very picky.  A person who is "very particular" is very picky—he or she wants something very distinct. 

Example Question #928 : Synonyms

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

HILARIOUS

Possible Answers:

Humorous

Hysterical

Joyful

Amusing

Foolish

Correct answer:

Hysterical

Explanation:

Whenever something is "hilarious," that thing is very funny. For this question, the best option will stress the very. That is, the best option will be one that expresses the idea that a hilarious thing is not merely "amusing" or "funny." It is, instead, "hysterical"—very amusing.

Example Question #929 : Synonyms

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

ENTICING

Possible Answers:

Immoral

Attractive

Surprising

Despicable

Examined

Correct answer:

Attractive

Explanation:

Whenever something is "enticing," it draws your attention and makes you desire it. Sometimes, we talk about one person enticing another person to do something or go somewhere. Whenever someone or something entices you, it "invites" you to come closer to it. Put another way, we can say that it "attracts" you. Hence, "attractive" is a good synonym for "enticing."

Example Question #930 : Synonyms

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

OCCASIONAL

Possible Answers:

Reliable

Random

Planned

Timed

Infamous

Correct answer:

Random

Explanation:

Whenever something happens "occasionally," it does not happen on a regular schedule. It is an irregular occurrence. Hence, you could say, "Rupert's occasional remarks about politics annoyed his family, but they were thankful that he didn't talk about the topic much." To be "occasional" is to happen "only on occasion." (Related words help us to memorize, of course!) Thus, the only option that expresses this idea of being irregular is "random."

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