ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Nouns for Tangible Things

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.

EMOLLIENT

Possible Answers:

grandiloquence

antipathy

liniment

effrontery

aspersion

Correct answer:

liniment

Explanation:

"Emollient" and "liniment" both mean a balm or ointment. "Aspersion" means a verbal exhibition of bad tempter. "Antipathy" means strong dislike or distrust. "Effrontery" means nerve or boldness. "Grandiloquence" means bombast or boasting

Example Question #12 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

Edifice most nearly means __________.

Possible Answers:

resolve

restaurant

delicatessen

building

resolution

Correct answer:

building

Explanation:

The word “edifice” comes from Latin roots either literally meaning “building” or also “to make a building.” When we “edify” someone, we “build them up” or improve them. The best option is the very general term “building” and none of the more specific building types mentioned.

Example Question #13 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

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

TERMINAL

Possible Answers:

Disease

Sickness

Diagnosis

End

Prognostication

Correct answer:

End

Explanation:

Often, we speak of a “terminal illness,” and several of the wrong answers are meant to tempt you into thinking choosing them because of this association. What is meant when we so call an illness is that it is going to lead to the end of life of the person diagnosed. The “term” of something is its “end” in the sense of being the very last point with regard to that thing (the end of life, the end of a stick, etc).

Example Question #14 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

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

ARRAY

Possible Answers:

Mishap

Distraction

Frenzy

Assortment

Perjury

Correct answer:

Assortment

Explanation:

An “array” is an assortment of many different types of things, so "assortment" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, a “distraction” is something that takes your attention away from whatever you are focused on; “perjury” is the act of lying under oath in court; a "mishap” is something minor that goes wrong; and a "frenzy" is a brief span of intense emotion or activity.

Example Question #31 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GARB

Possible Answers:

Lamentations

Possessions

Clothing

Plaudits

Limitations

Correct answer:

Clothing

Explanation:

“Garb” is another word for garments or "clothing," often referring to a specific set of clothes used for a particular purpose or when one takes on a particular role. As for the other answer choices, “possessions” are things that are owned; “limitations” are restrictions or things that hold people back; “plaudits” are congratulations or praise; “lamentations” are spoken acts of mourning.

Example Question #15 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things

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

MALADY

Possible Answers:

Catalyst

Inspiration

Ailment

Detention

Antecedent

Correct answer:

Ailment

Explanation:

A “malady” is a disease, sickness, or "ailment." As for the other answer choices, “detention” means the act of being punished or imprisoned by being placed in custody or this state of imprisonment; a “catalyst” is something that provides impetus for or helps start a reaction or an event; “inspiration” means motivation or something that causes someone to act willingly; “antecedent” means precursor, forerunner, or a thing that comes before another thing.

Example Question #33 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HAZARD

Possible Answers:

Option

Terror

Risk

Carcinogenic

Toxic

Correct answer:

Risk

Explanation:

When used as a noun, the word "hazard" is used to describe something that is dangerous. The adjectival form "hazardous" is often used to describe various things that are dangerous—hazardous roads, hazardous traffic, hazardous waste, and so forth. Among the options given here, most of them are somehow related to hazardous things. If something is dangerous, it is likely a terror. Likewise, a toxic thing is hazardous, as is a carcinogenic (i.e. cancer-causing) thing, but a "hazard" is simply a dangerous thing. Thus, the general word "risk" is the best option for this question.

Example Question #34 : Identifying Synonyms

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

WRIT

Possible Answers:

Kowtow

Polyglot

Order

Hiatus

Heroine

Correct answer:

Order

Explanation:

A "writ" is a legal command, an order to appear before court. The closest answer therefore is "order." To provide further help, a "heroine" is a female hero; "hiatus" means break, rest period; "kowtow" means to bow, to defer to another; a "polyglot" is a speaker of multiple languages.

Example Question #35 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PRECEPT

Possible Answers:

Bastion

Festival

Rule

Gala

Stronghold

Correct answer:

Rule

Explanation:

A "precept" is a rule or principle meant to govern behavior. To provide further help, "bastion" and "stronghold" are synonyms; both words mean an institution that upholds a dying ideal. "Gala" means festival

Example Question #36 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ADJUNCT

Possible Answers:

Disconsolate

Supporting

Dismissive

Penitent

Hubris

Correct answer:

Supporting

Explanation:

An "adjunct" is a thing added to something to be supportive or complementary. The closest answer choice is "supportive." To provide further help, "disconsolate" means unable to be consoled, unable to be comforted; "dismissive" means ignoring, not taking something into account; "hubris" is excessive pride; "penitent" means remorseful, seeking forgiveness from God

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