ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #151 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EXPOSITION

Possible Answers:

Expression

Explication

Syllogism

Speech

Presentation

Correct answer:

Explication

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Catalog

Warehouse

Design

Magazine

Shop

Correct answer:

Catalog

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Focus

Lunch

Celebration

Daydream

Meal

Correct answer:

Daydream

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

delusion

portent

jargon

affirmation

hybrid

Correct answer:

portent

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Order

Chaos

Boor

Fairness

Harshness

Correct answer:

Chaos

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Dilemma

Luminary

Peer

Suffrage

Equilibrium

Correct answer:

Dilemma

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Boredom

Hope

Friendship

Sorrow

Irritation

Correct answer:

Boredom

Explanation:

"Ennui" is a state of extreme or long-lasting boredoma 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

Possible Answers:

Love

Pride

Greed

Envy

Fortune

Correct answer:

Greed

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Prophecy

Sinecure

Lethargy

Venal

Pantheon

Correct answer:

Lethargy

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Infamy

Enmity

Profanity

Amnesty

Calamity

Correct answer:

Profanity

Explanation:

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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