ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives and Adverbs

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #597 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INEXORABLE

Possible Answers:

Persuadable

Unstoppable

Imaginative

Preventable

Limited

Correct answer:

Unstoppable

Explanation:

"Inexorable" is an adjective that means "impossible to stop or prevent," or when describing a person, "impossible to persuade by request or entreaty." So, neither "preventable" nor "persuadable" can be the correct answer because each of those words is an antonym of "inexorable," not a synonym. The correct answer is "unstoppable," an adjective that like "inexorable" means "impossible to stop or prevent."

Example Question #598 : Identifying Synonyms

Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.

HUGE

Possible Answers:

miniscule

gargantuan

hedonist

modicum

lucid

Correct answer:

gargantuan

Explanation:

Both "miniscule" and "modicum" mean a small amount so they are not correct. "Lucid" means clear, and a "hedonist" is someone who lives for pleasure. "Gargantuan" is a synonym for huge.

Example Question #221 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

ECONOMICAL

Possible Answers:

Fiduciary

Capitalize

Profiteering

Fiscal

Inexpensive

Correct answer:

Inexpensive

Explanation:

The word “economical” is not the same as “economic,” which can mean “pertaining to finances or wealth.” Instead, it can mean “someone who is thrifty or careful with money” as well as “something that is inexpensive but useful” such as “an economical house.”

Example Question #222 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

SHEER

Possible Answers:

Trim

Absolute

Woolen

Break

Lacerate

Correct answer:

Absolute

Explanation:

The word “sheer” is not the same as “shear.” The latter means “to cut” or “to shave,” often speaking of the cutting of wool from sheep. The word “sheer” means instead “complete” or “sudden.” The latter would be used to describe something like a cliff that is completely vertical—“a sheer drop.” Likewise, it can mean “complete,” “utter,” “or “absolutely” when used in an expression like, “The plan was not merely questionable; it was sheer madness to do something so insane.”

Example Question #223 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

AFFLUENT

Possible Answers:

Despicable

Comely

Wealthy

Winsome

Impoverished

Correct answer:

Wealthy

Explanation:

“Affluent” means very wealthy. It is the opposite of “impoverished,” which means very poor. “Despicable” means evil and wicked; “comely” means very cute and beautiful; and “winsome” means charming and appealing.

Example Question #224 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

COLLOQUIAL

Possible Answers:

Illicit

Conversational

Irrational

Plausible

Irredeemable

Correct answer:

Conversational

Explanation:

“Colloquial” means informal or conversational and refers to language or writing, so "conversational" is the best answer choice. As for the other answer choices, “irredeemable” means unable to be redeemed or so bad that it cannot be forgiven; “plausible” means believable as being potentially true or succeeding; “irrational” means not rational, not logical, and thinking with emotions; and “illicit” means against the rules or illegal.

Example Question #225 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

CAUSTIC

Possible Answers:

Obscure

Obligatory

Plump

Euphoric

Derisive

Correct answer:

Derisive

Explanation:

"Caustic" means corrosive when describing substances or scathing when describing communication and speech. So, "derisive," which means disdainful and scathing, is the correct answer. “Plump” means fat, chubby, and round; “euphoric” means in a state of intense happiness; “obscure” means esoteric or unclear; and “obligatory” means mandatory.

Example Question #226 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

AUTHORITARIAN

Possible Answers:

Democratic

Royal

Enslaved

Tyrannical

Liberated

Correct answer:

Tyrannical

Explanation:

“Authoritarian” describes governments and means autocratic, repressive, or “tyrannical.” As for the other answer choices, “democratic” means relating to democracy and its form of representative government; “liberated” means set free; “enslaved” means made a slave; and “royal” means a king, a queen or related to a king or queen.

Example Question #227 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

ARBITRARY

Possible Answers:

Whimsical

Flimsy

Judgmental

Legal

Argumentative

Correct answer:

Whimsical

Explanation:

You might be tempted to see the word “arbiter” in “arbitrary.” They are not unrelated, for both pertain to a judgment being made. However, when something is "arbitrary," it is done at the whim of the one judging. It has no real reason other than that person’s desires or passions. Therefore, an “arbitrary” decision could be called “whimsical.” All of the other answers (except “flimsy”) are meant to trick you.

Example Question #228 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

AFFLUENT

Possible Answers:

Direct

Prosperous

Arrogant

Mobile

Sober

Correct answer:

Prosperous

Explanation:

The word "affluent" does have roots that mean to flow. While this meaning was once upon a time reflected in the word, it no longer is used in this manner. Instead, the word means wealthy—as though someone is "flowing" with money. Thus, the only option that is appropriate is "prosperous."  (Note that "mobile" is not the same as flowing. A walking person is mobile—yet is not flowing, strictly speaking.)

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