ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #371 : Synonyms

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

INDICATION

Possible Answers:

Conclusion

Prognosis

Diagnosis

Evidence

Argument

Correct answer:

Evidence

Explanation:

An indication is a sign of something else. Thus, someone's fever can be an indication of illness. The only option that is synonymous in this manner is "evidence." For instance, it is basically the same thing to say, "The fever is an indication of illness," as it is to say, "The fever is evidence of illness."

Example Question #372 : Synonyms

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

LENIENCY

Possible Answers:

Voracity

Instability

Redundancy

Clemency

Laziness

Correct answer:

Clemency

Explanation:

When someone is lenient, he or she is not overly harsh in some regard. For example, a lenient grader is someone who gives grades that are not overly critical. Also, someone can be lenient with regard to a punishment, meaning that he or she does not give out very harsh punishments. For this reason, a good synonym for "leniency" is "mercy." The word "clemency" means either "mercy" or "leniency."

Example Question #373 : Synonyms

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

RETALIATION

Possible Answers:

Restitution

Reconsideration

Retribution

Reparation

Replication

Correct answer:

Retribution

Explanation:

When someone "retaliates," he or she responds to a damaging event by creating an equal amount of damage to the person or entity that harmed him or her. Now, it is important to note that retaliation thus deals with doing equal damage. This fact eliminates "reparation" and "restitution" as options. These deal with making a payment to the person whom you have harmed. This is quite different from retaliating. (Indeed, the one who makes reparation or restitution is the very person who caused the harm. The retaliating person is the person who was harmed.) "Retribution" is a kind of punishment that is enacted against a person for the harm that he or she did. Generally, it is implied to be a punishment equal to the crime in question. Thus, among the options provided here at least, this is the best.

Example Question #374 : Synonyms

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

EXPOSITION

Possible Answers:

Presentation

Explication

Syllogism

Expression

Speech

Correct answer:

Explication

Explanation:

An "exposition" is a complete explanation of some topic. For example, we could say, "The Summa Logicae of William of Ockham was an excellent exposition of all the topics discussed in the logic of his day." Now, do not be tricked by the options presented here. Some, such as "speech" and "presentation" try to trick you into picking certain particular media that are used for giving expositions. Granted, "presentation" can also merely indicate the general act of presenting something; however, insofar as this does not indicate a great depth of explanation, it is not quite the same as "exposition." Thus, the best option is "explication," which is an in depth treatment of a topic.

Example Question #375 : Synonyms

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

INVENTORY

Possible Answers:

Catalog

Shop

Magazine

Warehouse

Design

Correct answer:

Catalog

Explanation:

An "inventory" is a list of things in a place or a supply of goods stored in a place.

In this case "catalog," meaning a systemized list, closely matches the first definition. A "magazine" is a publication and related to an alternate definition of catalog, a "shop" is a store where one purchases things rather than a store of items, a "warehouse" is a place where inventory might be stored, and a "design" is a systemized plan.

Example Question #376 : Synonyms

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

REVERIE

Possible Answers:

Celebration

Focus

Lunch

Daydream

Meal

Correct answer:

Daydream

Explanation:

"Reverie" is a noun meaning a meandering train of thought or a state of being lost in pleasant thoughts. A "daydream" is a chain of distractingly pleasant thoughts. The word "focus" is an antonym of "reverie," "meal" and "lunch" are both times when a person eats, and a "celebration" is a large party.

Example Question #377 : Synonyms

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

HARBINGER

Possible Answers:

portent

jargon

affirmation

hybrid

delusion

Correct answer:

portent

Explanation:

A "harbinger" is a portent, omen, or indication of something. An "affirmation" is a declaration of truth. A "delusion" is a misconception or misbelief. A "hybrid" is a mixture or combination of something. "Jargon" is a specialized language or dialect.

Example Question #378 : Synonyms

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

DISARRAY

Possible Answers:

Boor

Harshness

Order

Chaos

Fairness

Correct answer:

Chaos

Explanation:

"Disarray" means chaos, not in order. When you here the phrase "in disarray" that means in a chaotic state, out of control. To provide further help, a "boor" is a rude, insensitive person.

Example Question #379 : Synonyms

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

QUANDARY

Possible Answers:

Luminary

Peer

Suffrage

Equilibrium

Dilemma

Correct answer:

Dilemma

Explanation:

A "quandary" is a difficult situation, a problem. As such the best possible answer choice is "dilemma." To provide further help, a "peer" is an equal, someone in your social group; "suffrage" is the right to vote; "equilibrium" is a state of balance; a "luminary" is a notable person in his or her field

Example Question #380 : Synonyms

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

ENNUI

Possible Answers:

Hope

Friendship

Boredom

Sorrow

Irritation

Correct answer:

Boredom

Explanation:

"Ennui" is a state of extreme or long-lasting boredoma feeling of dissatisfaction arising from a complete lack of excitement or entertainment

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