ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #721 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MUTUAL

Possible Answers:

Partisan

Studious

Delightful

Common

Expository

Correct answer:

Common

Explanation:

When something is "mutual" it is held by multiple people. For example, three people could have a "mutual hatred" for corn on the cob. This hatred is common to each of the members of the group. We also speak of a "mutual enemy". This very clearly means "common enemy." Thus, "common" is the most obvious choice for this question.

Example Question #722 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EXTENSIVE

Possible Answers:

Exhaustive

Urbane

Pensive

Expensive

Plaintive

Correct answer:

Exhaustive

Explanation:

The adjective "extensive" describes something that covers a large area—whether literally or metaphorically. An extensive plot of land is a very large plot of land. An extensive collection of books "covers" many topics and authors. Extensive knowledge "covers" many topics. (You can think of it meaning that each of these "extends" over a large area.) Now, this does not mean that something that is "extensive" completely covers its given "area;" however, it can seem close to being complete. The word "exhaustive" means comprehensive. At least among the options provided here, this is by far the best.

Example Question #723 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FRAGILE

Possible Answers:

Fractured

Delicate

Shattered

Glassy

Cheap

Correct answer:

Delicate

Explanation:

The word "fragile" means weak or easily broken. Now, most of your options are likely tempting, for they remind you of glass, which is easily broken, but the only option that directly indicates a kind of fragility or weakness is "delicate." When something is "delicate," it is not very strong. Sometimes, we speak of "delicate health" in someone who is sickly. We can also speak of a "delicate situation," meaning that the situation could fall apart easily.

Example Question #724 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TAINTED

Possible Answers:

Mixed

Polluted

Intoxicated

Murderous

Poisoned

Correct answer:

Polluted

Explanation:

When something is tainted, it loses its purity. For instance, a water supply can be tainted by having small amounts of paint poured into as well as small amounts of soda. In both cases, the water supply loses its purity. Tainting does not have to do with poison necessarily, so be careful not to choose an answer based on this. Instead, the best option is "polluted," which can apply to any kind of the actions mentioned above as examples of tainting.

Example Question #725 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SUPERFLUOUS

Possible Answers:

Overwhelming

Tedious

Exorbitant

Unnecessary

Outrageous

Correct answer:

Unnecessary

Explanation:

The word "superfluous" comes from Latin roots that literally mean overflowing. (The "super-" prefix means "over or above" and "-fluous" clearly means "flowing.") When something is "superfluous," it is excessive or beyond one's current needs. While such things could be "overwhelming" or even outragous / exorbitant, they are always unnecessary. Thus, this simple word is the best option for this question!

Example Question #726 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EXTEMPORANEOUS

Possible Answers:

Forestalled

Partitioned

Remedied

Improvised

Supplanted

Correct answer:

Improvised

Explanation:

"Extemporaneous" means done without preparation, improvised. To provide further help, "partitioned" means divided, split into multiple regions; "forestalled" means delayed; "supplanted" means replaced; "remedied" means fixed

Example Question #727 : Identifying Synonyms

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

POTABLE

Possible Answers:

Ignorant

Edible

Fecund

Educated

Drinkable

Correct answer:

Drinkable

Explanation:

"Potable" means drinkable, able to be safely drunk. The suffix -able often means able to be. To provide further help, "fecund" means abundant, full of life, fertile; "edible" means able to be eaten

Example Question #728 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TITANIC

Possible Answers:

Lost

Large

Uneven

Ancient

Recent

Correct answer:

Large

Explanation:

"Titanic" means very large. Think of the famous ship the Titanic, it was known for two qualities -being supposedly unsinkable and being very, very large. The word "titanic" means extremely big

Example Question #729 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ESOTERIC

Possible Answers:

Truculent

Monotone

Arcane

Celestial

Protracted

Correct answer:

Arcane

Explanation:

"Esoteric" means known by only a few, arcane. It is generally used to describe knowledge, so "esoteric knowledge" means arcane knowledge, known only by a select few. To provide further help, "monotone" means boring; "celestial" means divine, heavenly; "truculent" means aggressive; "protracted" means drawn out, taking a long time

Example Question #730 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EXIGUOUS

Possible Answers:

Cogent

Ample

Garrulous

Sufficient

Meager

Correct answer:

Meager

Explanation:

"Exiguous" means a very small amount, meager, scant. To provide further help, "ample" means more than enough; "sufficient" means enough, good enough; "garrulous" means talkative; "cogent" means a well-made, clear argument

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