All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
CHAFF
barge
enmity
refuse
scrape
refuse
A well-known idiom speaks of "separating the wheat from the chaff"—that is, separating out that which has value from that which is worthless. In a literal sense, "chaff" can describe the protective casing around a seed that is burned up once the seed has been removed. More commonly the word is used to describe anything that is useless and expendable. Be careful to to confuse "chaff" with "chafe" (damage by rubbing). Also keep in mind that "refuse" here is the noun (pronounced REF-yoos) that means garbage—not the more-familiar verb (pronounced ri-FYOOZ) that means to turn down an offer.
Example Question #12 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
ZEAL
fervor
lethargy
tirade
leviathan
apathy
fervor
"Zeal" and "fervor" both mean enthusiasm or devotion. "Apathy" means an uncaring attitude or lack of interest. "Lethargy" means laziness or sluggishness. "Tirade" means abuse or outburst. "Leviathan" means colossus or behemoth.
Example Question #13 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
REPROOF
implication
guile
censure
elegy
turpitude
censure
"Reproof" and "censure" both mean blame or criticism. "Elegy" means dirge or lament. "Turpitude" means corruption or debauchery. "Implication" means association or suggestion. "Guile" means slyness or cleverness.
Example Question #14 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
PECCADILLO
impropriety
remedy
zenith
skepticism
transient
impropriety
"Peccadillo" and "impropriety" both mean a small fault or misdemeanor. "Zenith" means the highest point or apex. "Transient" means something temporary or ephemeral. "Skepticism" means doubt or questioning. "Remedy" means a cure or solution.
Example Question #21 : Hspt Verbal Skills
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
TIRADE
harangue
adulation
endorsement
transient
tangent
harangue
"Tirade" and "harangue" both mean an angry outburst. "Adulation" means overenthusiastic praise. "Endorsement" means support or authorization. "Transient" means something temporary or fleeting. "Tangent" means something touching or related.
Example Question #15 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
ENCOMIUM
blasphemy
dictum
accolade
censure
epitome
accolade
"Encomium" and "accolade" both mean warm praise. "Censure" means severe criticism or condemnation. "Blasphemy" means irreverence or heresy. "Dictum" means a saying or proverb. "Epitome" means a perfect example or abbreviation.
Example Question #16 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
ASPERSION
alacrity
commendation
adulation
defamation
belligerence
defamation
"Aspersion" and "defamation" both mean libel or slander. "Adulation" means overenthusiastic praise. "Commendation" means praise or acclaim. "Alacrity" means alertness or liveliness. "Belligerence" means a fight or aggression.
Example Question #17 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
CALUMNY
synthesis
panegyric
chagrin
chicanery
slander
slander
"Calumny" and "slander" both mean a scandalous remark or disparagement. "Panegyric" means acclaim or praise. "Synthesis" means combining or combination. "Chagrin" means displeasure or annoyance. "Chicanery" means trickery or deceit.
Example Question #18 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
CANARD
veracity
charlatan
edict
hoax
contaminant
hoax
"Canard" and "hoax" both mean a lie or deception. "Veracity" means truth or accuracy. "Charlatan" means a trickster or fraud. "Contaminant" means a pollutant. "Edict" means a pronouncement or order.
Example Question #19 : Synonyms: Nouns For Abstract Concepts
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
APOGEE
nadir
guile
hilarity
pinnacle
drawback
pinnacle
"Apogee" and "pinnacle" both mean the highest point or zenith. "Nadir" means the lowest point or bottom. "Drawback" means a disadvantage. "Guile" means slyness or cleverness. "Hilarity" means laughter or amusement.
All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
