ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #18 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

INTRINSIC

Possible Answers:

Innate

Original

Somatic

Intuitive

Mandatory

Correct answer:

Innate

Explanation:

Instrinsic traits means they are innate or fundamental to a person; they are also described as inborn and natural.

Example Question #19 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

POLARIZING

Possible Answers:

Divisive

Horrifying

Extraneous

Patriotic

Elusive

Correct answer:

Divisive

Explanation:

Although polarize has a more literal, scientific meaning relating to ionization of atoms, it is also used to refer to an opposition of beliefs; therefore "divisive" is the best synonym.

Example Question #21 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

ONEROUS

Possible Answers:

obsequious

facile

trivial

arduous

obdurate

Correct answer:

arduous

Explanation:

"Onerous" and "arduous" both mean difficult or backbreaking. "Facile" means simple or easy. "Trivial" means unimportant or superficial. "Obsequious" means groveling or submissive. "Obdurate" means stubborn or adamant

Example Question #22 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

ADVERSE

Possible Answers:

Clashing

Battling

Unfavorable

Vexing

Foe

Correct answer:

Unfavorable

Explanation:

The word “adverse” comes from the Latin meaning to turn toward or, more directly, to the Latin for to be against. The word “adverse” most often is used to describe conditions that are disadvantageous to some undertaking. For instance, a very standard usage is “adverse weather conditions,” meaning weather conditions that are not favorable to activities—either in specific or in general. It can also mean harmful, thus being used in a sentence like, “The adverse effects of the drug were known to cause cancer and heart damage within two years of beginning treatment.” The word “adversary,” meaning opponent, is clearly related to this word.

Example Question #23 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

ESTEEMED

Possible Answers:

Relished

Adulterated

Astonished

Admired

Enjoyed

Correct answer:

Admired

Explanation:

To hold something in esteem is not merely to enjoy it or relish it. It is to give it high respect. The word “admired” best fits for this reason. “Admire” actually comes from Latin roots related to wondering at something. Something that is “miraculous” is wonderful or wondrous. The “admirable” is likewise quite wonderful.

Example Question #24 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

INDIGENT

Possible Answers:

Impoverished

Aboriginal

Native

National

Exhume

Correct answer:

Impoverished

Explanation:

The word “indigent” means “poor” or “needy.” Among the options, the only option that means this is clearly “impoverished. One might see this word used in a sentence like, “The long period of economic recession greatly increased the indigent population of the country, requiring many more to turn to charity in order to have enough to live.” Note that the word is not the same as “indigenous,” which means “native to a given locale.”

Example Question #25 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

IMPOVERISHED

Possible Answers:

Beggar

Destitute

Laboring

Saddened

Overcome

Correct answer:

Destitute

Explanation:

For this word, the answer is perhaps less known that the word itself. Clearly, the word “impoverished” contains a relative of the word “poverty.” The word “destitute” most properly means “lacking the means even to provide for basic needs.” It can likewise mean, more generally, “lacking,” particularly when used in conjunction with the preposition “of” as in “the students were destitute of any intellectual interest.”

Example Question #26 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

PROSPEROUS

Possible Answers:

Foreseeing

Investing

Predictive

Flourishing

Economical

Correct answer:

Flourishing

Explanation:

When someone is “prosperous,” that person is said to “do well” for himself or himself. That is, he or she is accomplishing the tasks and goals that he or she has set. Often, such prosperity is indicated by an increase in material wealth. This is the sense in which the word is most often used, as in, “The banker was the most prosperous man in town, owning fifteen cars and two large houses.” In a more general sense, it can mean “flourishing,” which is related to “flowering,” here meaning “coming to full development” (like a plant coming to flower).

Example Question #27 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

AVOWED

Possible Answers:

Separated

Admitted

Divorced

Compatible

Agreeing

Correct answer:

Admitted

Explanation:

The word “avowed” actually is related to the word “advocate,” which means, “someone called as a witness.” The word is usually used in the context of noun, for instance “an avowed atheist,” or, “an avowed chocolate addict.” In such uses, the word means, “publically admitted.” For instance, to say, “I am an avowed chocolate addict,” is akin to saying, “I have publically admitted that I am an addict to chocolate and hide the fact from nobody.”

Example Question #28 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

TENTATIVE

Possible Answers:

Immoderate

Deceitful

Fastidious

Fragrant

Hesitant

Correct answer:

Hesitant

Explanation:

Often, the word “tentative” is used to describe a situation when someone is uncertain whether or not an event will take place. For example, one could say, “I will tentatively schedule our meeting for 2:00 PM. Call me to let me know if this will work.” Likewise, the word can be used to describe an action that is done hesitantly—perhaps because someone lacks confidence that the action is possible.

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