ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #581 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RECALL

Possible Answers:

Remember

Manufacture

Startle

Verify

Inspect

Correct answer:

Remember

Explanation:

Remember that the prefix "re-" means again or back. The word "recall" means something like to call back. It can be used in the sense meaning to call to mind again. In other words, it can mean to remember. We use the word this way when we say, "I recall your face!" This means, "I remember you!"

Example Question #582 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DEMAND

Possible Answers:

Scream

Shout

Remark

Order

Tell

Correct answer:

Order

Explanation:

When we "demand" something, we ask for it with a lot of energy and force. Because of this, you may think that "shout" or "scream" are good answers. You can, however, demand something without shouting or screaming, nor are all shouts or screams themselves "demands." Now, while there are various possible meanings for the verb "demand," the only option in this question that functions well is "order." For example, you could say, "He demanded that she bring the book to him immediately." This means that he ordered her to do so.

Example Question #583 : Identifying Synonyms

What is a synonym for edit?

Possible Answers:

exemplify

publish

destroy

dismiss

revise

Correct answer:

revise

Explanation:

Although editing is often done when something is going to be published, these are not synonymous words.  When we edit something, we review it and try to find mistakes.  Sometimes, we even remove parts to help make the work better.  This can be done with written works as well as things like movies and, even, songs.  When we "revise" something, we make a new version of it, hopefully one that is improved after the editing has been done.

Example Question #584 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SCOLD

Possible Answers:

Beat

Reprimand

Forgive

Cry

Shout

Correct answer:

Reprimand

Explanation:

Whenever we "scold" someone, we rebuke him or her for doing something bad. For example, you could say, "The mother scolded her daughter for kicking her brother." The only option that expresses this idea of rebuking is "reprimand."

Example Question #585 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ESTIMATE

Possible Answers:

Count

Repair

Educate

Guess

Increase

Correct answer:

Guess

Explanation:

The word "estimate" can be used either as a verb or as a noun. All of the options here are verbs, so this is the meaning that we are looking for. When we estimate something, we make a rough guess about how much it is. For example, if someone put a bowl of candy in front of you, he or she could say, "Estimate how many pieces are in there."  In this situation, you are being asked to guess how many are in the bowl. Thus, the option "guess" is the correct answer. When the word "estimate" is used as a noun, "the estimate" is the actual guess. For example, if you answered, "484 pieces," this guess was your estimate.

Example Question #586 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PARDON

Possible Answers:

Discuss

Greet

Welcome

Forgive

Enchant

Correct answer:

Forgive

Explanation:

Whenever we "pardon" someone, we forgive him or her for doing something wrong or offensive. Sometimes, we speak of pardoning the offence itself. Thus, you could say, "I pardoned her rude remark, even though she should have known better." This means that you "forgave" it—though she should have known that it was wrong.

Example Question #587 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DETERMINE

Possible Answers:

Slice

Please

Consider

Reflect

Decide

Correct answer:

Decide

Explanation:

The verb "to determine" means to decide upon. Thus, you can say, "The carpenter determined that he would need five feet of wood for the project." This means that he decided that he would need five feet of wood. A "determined amount" is an amount that has been settled upon by someone. Hence, the simple word "decide" is the best option. Even the options "consider" and "reflect" are not sufficient. We can "consider" something without determining one thing or another. Consideration does not necessarily include making a particular decision.

Example Question #588 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INQUIRE

Possible Answers:

Restrain

Say

Inspire

Tell

Ask

Correct answer:

Ask

Explanation:

To "inquire" means to ask for more information about something, therefore "ask" is the best synonym.

Example Question #589 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COMMEMORATE

Possible Answers:

Disdain

Comment

Recall

Celebrate

Correct answer:

Celebrate

Explanation:

The word "commemorate" means celebrate. "Celebrate" is the best choice because it is part of the definition of "commemorate." Considering the other choices, "recall" means recall information, "comment" means respond to something verbally, and "disdain" means to be disgusted by.

Example Question #590 : Identifying Synonyms

Each synonyms question is made up of a word in capital letters followed by five choices. Choose the one word that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

CONCEAL:

Possible Answers:

protect

camouflage

display

unearth

exhibit

Correct answer:

camouflage

Explanation:

If something or someone is concealed, they are hidden from view or camouflaged.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors