ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #482 : Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

TRIVIAL

Possible Answers:

Questions

Difficult

Three

Unimportant

Correct answer:

Unimportant

Explanation:

The word "trivial" means unimportant. "Unimportant" is the best choice because it is a part of the definition of "trivial."

Example Question #483 : Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

VITAL

Possible Answers:

Necessary

Second

Energy

Pill

Correct answer:

Necessary

Explanation:

The word "vital" means absolutely necessary. "Necessary" is the best choice because it is a part of the definition of "vital."

Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Degree, Intensity, Power, And Importance

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

SIGNIFICANT

Possible Answers:

Combined

Focus

Sign

Important

Correct answer:

Important

Explanation:

The word "significant" means important. The best choice is "important," as it is a part of the definition of "significant." Considering the other choices, "focus," when used as a noun, means center pointcareful attention, or concentration, a "sign" is a notice that bears a message, and "combined" means joined together.

Example Question #12 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Degree, Intensity, Power, And Importance

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

ESSENTIAL

Possible Answers:

irrate

compassionate

visible

edible

needed

Correct answer:

needed

Explanation:

Something that is essential is needed; it is something you cannot do without. To further help you, irate means very angry; compassionate means loving; edible means able to be eaten; visible means able to be seen.

Example Question #13 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Degree, Intensity, Power, And Importance

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

ABSOLUTE

Possible Answers:

Limit

Dissolve

Supreme

Reprehensible

Responsible

Correct answer:

Supreme

Explanation:

"Absolute" is defined as unquestionable, such as when describing a king’s absolute authority. The best match, "supreme," means having the final (unquestionable) say in things or of the highest rank in some category. So, "supreme" is the correct answer.

Example Question #14 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Degree, Intensity, Power, And Importance

Synonyms: Select the word whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

NECESSARY

Possible Answers:

Ordered

Tedious

Optional

Required

Correct answer:

Required

Explanation:

When something is "necessary," it must be done. For instance, some people say that it is necessary to good health that we exercise at least five days a week. This means that good health requires such activity. Likewise, it is required that you have a large vocabulary to do well on the ISEE verbal sections. This means that you need to have a large vocabulary to do well. Therefore, something that is "required" is something that has been said to be necessary. "Requirements" are necessary things to be done or things that are needed. (The requirements for an application are all of its necessary components.)

Example Question #18 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Degree, Intensity, Power, And Importance

Synonyms: choose the answer with the meaning closest to the word in question.

Major

Possible Answers:

Harmful

Skillful

Important

Sweaty

Insignificant

Correct answer:

Important

Explanation:

"Major" means important.

Example Question #15 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Degree, Intensity, Power, And Importance

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

SEVERE

Possible Answers:

Tolerant

Lenient

Kind

Harsh

Correct answer:

Harsh

Explanation:

The correct answer is "harsh." Both "severe" and "harsh" mean strict or having no leniency. The other words mean the opposite of "strict."

Example Question #16 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Degree, Intensity, Power, And Importance

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

SMOTHERING

Possible Answers:

Overbearing

Covering

Perilous

Scary

Distracting

Correct answer:

Overbearing

Explanation:

Something that is "smothering" is excessive to the point of causing discomfort. Something that is "overbearing"  imposes too much. "Overbearing" is the most similar to "smothering" because both refer to the characteristic of being too invasive. 

Example Question #321 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

MINOR

Possible Answers:

Generous

Questionable

Dull

Distant

Insignificant

Correct answer:

Insignificant

Explanation:

The word "minor" comes from the Latin for smaller or less. We use the word in many ways, but they generally mean small or less in a given respect. Sometimes, the word "minor" is used as a noun to describe a person who is young and not yet an adult. As an adjective, it basically means small or not important. A "minor wound" is one that is not very large, and a "minor error" is one that is not very important. When something is "insignificant," it is not of great importance. A "significant" event, on the other hand, is one that is very important. While "minor affairs" might be "dull," the word "minor" primarily indicates being unimportant or small. Therefore, "insignificant" is the best option among those provided for you in the answers.

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