ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #701 : Identifying Synonyms

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

AESTHETIC

Possible Answers:

disciplined

sanitary

attractive

affluent

Correct answer:

attractive

Explanation:

"Aesthetic" describes something having to do with beauty. Be careful not to confuse it with similar sounding words like "ascetic" (harshly disciplined) or "aseptic" (sanitary).

Example Question #702 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TAWDRY

Possible Answers:

urbane

nebulous

tacky

taciturn

sophisticated

Correct answer:

tacky

Explanation:

"Tawdry" and "tacky" both mean cheap or tasteless. "Sophisticated" means refined or elegant. "Nebulous" means confused or obscure. "Taciturn" means uncommnicative. "Urbane" means cosmopolitan or sophisticated

Example Question #703 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TEPID

Possible Answers:

Halfhearted

Awe-inspiring

Enthusiastic

Downcast

Frigid

Correct answer:

Halfhearted

Explanation:

"Tepid" takes on one of its two meanings in this question. "Tepid" can mean lukewarm, but it can also mean halfhearted or indifferent. This question uses the secondary meaning of tepid and the best answer choice is halfhearted.

Example Question #704 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EDIFYING

Possible Answers:

Amazing

Decreeing

Defying

Spurning

Improving

Correct answer:

Improving

Explanation:

The word “edifying” is related to the English “edifice,” meaning building. Most strictly, “to edify” means to improve someone intellectually or morally. It is often used in the sense of “improvement” in general, though this is a secondary usage. Bearing this qualification in mind, “improving” is still the best option among those given. One can speak of “edification” when describing the instruction itself, as in, “He provided edification to the young man in order to improve his moral behavior.”

Example Question #705 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GARISH

Possible Answers:

Gaudy

Rare

Modest

Succulent

Warlike

Correct answer:

Gaudy

Explanation:

Something that is "garish" is excessively and crudely showy. "Gaudy" carries the same sense of being tastelessly flashy. "Modest" is an antonym.

Example Question #706 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BENIGN

Possible Answers:

Thrilled

Mild

Severe

Aloof

Detrimental

Correct answer:

Mild

Explanation:

If something is benign such as the weather, it indicates that it is mild.  In the case of weather, benign conditions are the opposite of inclement weather.

Example Question #707 : Identifying Synonyms

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

WRETCHED

Possible Answers:

Wary

Queasy

Willful

Reassuring

Deplorable

Correct answer:

Deplorable

Explanation:

"Wretched" and "deplorable" both mean terrible or miserable. "Reassuring" means bolstering or cheerful. "Willful" means stubborn or obstinate. "Wary" means careful or cautious. "Queasy" means uncomfortable or fidgety.

Example Question #708 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SHABBY

Possible Answers:

Miniature

Run-down

Essential

Tactful

Jubilant

Correct answer:

Run-down

Explanation:

"Shabby" means run-down or in worn-out condition. "Tactful" means acting with skill and delicacy in dealing with other people's issues. "Essential" means required or very important. "Jubilant" means very happy and joyful. "Miniature" means a smaller version.

Example Question #709 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MUNDANE

Possible Answers:

Boring

Plausible

Common

Intelligent

Exciting

Correct answer:

Common

Explanation:

The definition of "mundane" is everyday or ordinary, making "common" the only possible choice.

Example Question #710 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PRODIGIOUS

Possible Answers:

supportive

monumental

harmful

jabbing

reassuring

Correct answer:

monumental

Explanation:

The word “prodigious” is related to the same root word as “prodigy,” which is often used to describe a person who has great skills. For instance, many people talked of Mozart as a “child prodigy” because he could play the piano with great skill at a young age. When something is “prodigious,” it is impressive, magnificent, or at least grand in scope or degree. Among the options provided, “monumental” best captures this sense.

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