ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Other Verbs
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ISEE Upper Level Verbal
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Example Questions
Example Question #41 : Synonyms: Other Verbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BELITTLE
Scold
Disparage
Criticize
Shrink
Decline
Disparage
Now, it is not without reason that the word "belittle" has "little" in it, but you must be careful. It is about making a person feel smaller and of less worth. It is not about making something to be physically smaller. Thus, the best option for this is "disparage," which is almost an exact synonym. (Notice, that "belittle" does not have "criticize" or "scold" as good synonyms either. While scolding and criticizing can be used to belittle someone, these are not synonymous with belittling. The essence of belittling someone is making that person feel less important.)
Example Question #42 : Synonyms: Other Verbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
NECESSITATE
Enforce
Legalize
Require
Conjoin
Follow
Require
The word "necessitate" clearly is related to necessary. It is used to describe how one thing leads to another thing being necessary. Thus, a given choice may end up necessitating further actions to be taken in response to it. For instance, we could say, "The deep gash in Peter's hand necessitated immediate action to stop the bleeding." All of this is the same as saying that something that necessitates requires something else to be done. Thus, the sentence above could be translated, "The deep gash in Peter's hand required immediate action to stop the bleeding."
Example Question #2311 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
REPARATION
Injury
Compensation
Taxation
Retaliation
Legislation
Compensation
"Reparation" is a kind of repayment made to someone because of wrongs done to that person. It is of the essence of reparation to be a repayment—this is quite important. The only option that expresses this idea of repaying is "compensation," which is a kind of payment given in return for something, usually for damages or injuries caused.
Example Question #2312 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PRIORITIZE
Order
Laud
Alleviate
Overlook
Acclaim
Order
The word "prioritize" is clearly related to "prior," which means coming before something else. When we prioritize things, we place them before less important matters; however, the word "prioritize" can be used in general to indicate the activity involved in setting the relative importance of many things. Thus, to "prioritize the tasks" means to put them in order (according to priority, of course). Thus, it is acceptable to choose something like "order" for a synonym here. Do not be tempted by options "laud" or "acclaim," which mean to praise. Just because we often like what we prioritize, this does not mean that the word means the same thing as the actual act of praising.
Example Question #601 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
RESCIND
Placate
Cancel
Inspect
Contend
Order
Cancel
To "rescind" something means to repeal, to cancel. To provide further help, "contend" means to argue something is the truth; "placate" means sooth, calm.
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