ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #41 : Identifying Synonyms

A synonym of "vigor" is __________.

Possible Answers:

vitality

intelligence

prudence

illness

exhaustion

Correct answer:

vitality

Explanation:

"Vigor" is a noun defined as "physical strength and good health" or "effort, energy, and enthusiasm." So, neither "exhaustion" nor "illness" can be the correct answer, as each is an antonym of "vigor." "Intelligence" cannot be the correct answer either, as "vigor" has to do with "physical strength and good health," not anything related to the mind or intelligence. "Vitality," however, is a noun defined as "the state of being strong and active; energy" or "the power giving continuance of life, present in all living things." Because "vitality" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "vigor," it is the correct answer.

Example Question #42 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ACCOLADE

Possible Answers:

quirk

intuition

distinction

truculence

delusion

Correct answer:

distinction

Explanation:

An "accolade" is a form of distinction, recognition, or strong praise. "Truculence" means a fight or form of aggression. A "quirk" is an oddity or strange way of doing something. "Intuition" means insight or instinct. "Delusion" is a misconception or misbelief.

Example Question #43 : Identifying Synonyms

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

QUAGMIRE

Possible Answers:

imbroglio

sovereign

misanthrope

patent

myriad

Correct answer:

imbroglio

Explanation:

A "quagmire" is an imbroglio or a bad situation. A "misanthrope" is a person who hates others. A "sovereign" is a supreme ruler or a monarch. A "patent" is a copyright on an invention or technology. "Myriad" means a lot of something.

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

LEVITY

Possible Answers:

frivolity

reward

weight

lantern

Correct answer:

frivolity

Explanation:

Levity means humor or frivolity.

Example Question #44 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HILARITY

Possible Answers:

bewilderment

amusement

acrimony

quip

alkaline

Correct answer:

amusement

Explanation:

"Hilarity" means amusement or laughter. "Bewilderment" means puzzlement or confusion. "Acrimony" means nasty behavior or speech"Alkaline" means being basic, not acidic (chemistry). "Quip" means witty communication or banter.

Example Question #45 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ALACRITY

Possible Answers:

levity

parity

liveliness

consternation

respite

Correct answer:

liveliness

Explanation:

"Alacrity" means liveliness or alertness. "Consternation" means dismay or distress. "Respite" means a pause or suspension in activity. "Parity" means equality or balance. "Levity" means funniness or silliness

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts

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

RENOWN

Possible Answers:

improved

fame

recipient

recollect

Correct answer:

fame

Explanation:

Related to the French word for "name," "renown" speaks of someone who has "made a name" for himself or herself—or fame.

Example Question #46 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FALLACY

Possible Answers:

policy

question

deception

evidence

non-fiction

Correct answer:

deception

Explanation:

We are looking for a word that is close in meaning to a lie. The word that is closest in meaning to that is "deception."

Example Question #47 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VIRULENCE

Possible Answers:

resentment

precursor

disdain

ailment

pestilence

Correct answer:

resentment

Explanation:

"Virulence" means resentment or annoyance. "Ailment" means illness or affliction. "Pestilence" means epidemic or disease. "Precursor" means something that indicates outcome before an event occurs. "Disdain" means strong dislike or indifference

Example Question #48 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PENURY

Possible Answers:

philanthropy

precipice

destitution

fledgling

efficacy

Correct answer:

destitution

Explanation:

"Penury" means destitution or poverty"Precipice" means a cliff or steep drop. "Philanthropy" means charity or generosity. "Fledgling" means an apprentice or newcomer. "Efficacy" means efficiency or productivity

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