All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #151 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EXPOSITION
Expression
Explication
Syllogism
Speech
Presentation
Explication
An "exposition" is a complete explanation of some topic. For example, we could say, "The Summa Logicae of William of Ockham was an excellent exposition of all the topics discussed in the logic of his day." Now, do not be tricked by the options presented here. Some, such as "speech" and "presentation" try to trick you into picking certain particular media that are used for giving expositions. Granted, "presentation" can also merely indicate the general act of presenting something; however, insofar as this does not indicate a great depth of explanation, it is not quite the same as "exposition." Thus, the best option is "explication," which is an in depth treatment of a topic.
Example Question #152 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INVENTORY
Catalog
Warehouse
Design
Magazine
Shop
Catalog
An "inventory" is a list of things in a place or a supply of goods stored in a place.
In this case "catalog," meaning a systemized list, closely matches the first definition. A "magazine" is a publication and related to an alternate definition of catalog, a "shop" is a store where one purchases things rather than a store of items, a "warehouse" is a place where inventory might be stored, and a "design" is a systemized plan.
Example Question #153 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
REVERIE
Focus
Lunch
Celebration
Daydream
Meal
Daydream
"Reverie" is a noun meaning a meandering train of thought or a state of being lost in pleasant thoughts. A "daydream" is a chain of distractingly pleasant thoughts. The word "focus" is an antonym of "reverie," "meal" and "lunch" are both times when a person eats, and a "celebration" is a large party.
Example Question #154 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HARBINGER
delusion
portent
jargon
affirmation
hybrid
portent
A "harbinger" is a portent, omen, or indication of something. An "affirmation" is a declaration of truth. A "delusion" is a misconception or misbelief. A "hybrid" is a mixture or combination of something. "Jargon" is a specialized language or dialect.
Example Question #155 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DISARRAY
Order
Chaos
Boor
Fairness
Harshness
Chaos
"Disarray" means chaos, not in order. When you here the phrase "in disarray" that means in a chaotic state, out of control. To provide further help, a "boor" is a rude, insensitive person.
Example Question #156 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
QUANDARY
Dilemma
Luminary
Peer
Suffrage
Equilibrium
Dilemma
A "quandary" is a difficult situation, a problem. As such the best possible answer choice is "dilemma." To provide further help, a "peer" is an equal, someone in your social group; "suffrage" is the right to vote; "equilibrium" is a state of balance; a "luminary" is a notable person in his or her field.
Example Question #157 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ENNUI
Boredom
Hope
Friendship
Sorrow
Irritation
Boredom
"Ennui" is a state of extreme or long-lasting boredom, a feeling of dissatisfaction arising from a complete lack of excitement or entertainment.
Example Question #158 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AVARICE
Love
Pride
Greed
Envy
Fortune
Greed
"Avarice" means greed. Someone who is "avaricious" is greedy. "Fortune" is related to "avarice," they are not synonyms, not all avaricious people possess a fortune, and not all fortunate people are avaricious (note also that fortune refers to wealth and luck, not just wealth). "Love" is an emotion unrelated to "avarice." "Envy" is closer in meaning to jealousy than it is to "avarice."
Example Question #159 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
LASSITUDE
Prophecy
Sinecure
Lethargy
Venal
Pantheon
Lethargy
"Lassitude" is a state of physical or mental exhaustion, lethargy. To provide further help, a "prophecy" is a prediction; a "pantheon" is a group of Gods within a religion; a "sinecure" is an easy job; "venal" means corrupt.
Example Question #160 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EXPLETIVE
Infamy
Enmity
Profanity
Amnesty
Calamity
Profanity
An "expletive" is a swear word, a curse word. So the closest correct answer is "profanity." To provide further help, "infamy" is the quality of being famous for the wrong reasons; a "calamity" is a disaster, a farce; "enmity" means hostility; an "amnesty" is a pardon for an offense.
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