ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, and Sensory Imagery

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #653 : Synonyms

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

PREPOSSESSING

Possible Answers:

Cute 

Fat 

Short 

Ugly 

Beautiful 

Correct answer:

Beautiful 

Explanation:

"Prepossessing" means having a beautiful appearance, so "beautiful" is the correct answer.

Example Question #41 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

STABLE

Possible Answers:

Prepared

Manic

Equine

Steady

Inconsiderate

Correct answer:

Steady

Explanation:

“Stable” means steady and secure, so "steady" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “prepared” means ready; "inconsiderate" means not thinking about the feelings of others when making choices; "equine" means having to do with horses; and “manic” means frenzied or out of control in a way that seems deranged.

Example Question #655 : Synonyms

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

PITHY

Possible Answers:

Sadness 

Trusting 

Deep

Brief

Sympathy 

Correct answer:

Brief

Explanation:

"Pithy" means brief and to the point. Therefore, "pithy" is closest in meaning to "brief."

Example Question #42 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

TERSE

Possible Answers:

Verbose

Passionate

Shallow

Parched

Concise

Correct answer:

Concise

Explanation:

"Terse" means brief or concise, so "concise" is the correct answer. "Verbose" is an antonym of "terse"; it means very long and wordy. None of the other answer choices are related in meaning to "terse": "parched" means very dry; "shallow" means not very deep; and "passionate" means having a strong feeling or conviction.

Example Question #43 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

INCLEMENT

Possible Answers:

Summery

Dogmatic

Stormy

Impressionable

Autumnal

Correct answer:

Stormy

Explanation:

“Inclement” means stormy, severe, or wintry and describes weather, so "stormy" is the best answer choice. As for the other answer choices, “summery” means characteristic of summer; “autumnal” means characteristic of fall; “dogmatic” means stating one’s thoughts forcefully and consistently; and “impressionable” means easily influenced by other people.

Example Question #44 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

TORRID

Possible Answers:

Precipitous

Blustery

Moist

Sweltering

Freezing

Correct answer:

Sweltering

Explanation:

“Torrid” means stiflingly hot and sweltering when describing the weather or a climate, very difficult, or passionate when describing a relationship. "Sweltering" is thus the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “freezing” means very cold; “blustery” means windy; “moist” means damp or a little wet; and “precipitous” means sheer or intensely steep.

Example Question #45 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

OBSCURE

Possible Answers:

Acceptable

Hidden

Obvious

Coherent

Abrupt

Correct answer:

Hidden

Explanation:

“Obscure” means hidden or esoteric, so "hidden" is the correct answer. Something that is “obvious” is easy to know and understand; “coherent” means able to be understood; “abrupt” means happening quickly and suddenly without any forewarning; and “acceptable” means good enough.

Example Question #46 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

DUCTILE

Possible Answers:

Flexible

Ventilated

Wired

Forceful

Powerful

Correct answer:

Flexible

Explanation:

Perhaps you have heard of "ductility" in your science class. This is a property of metal that describes its ability to be made into a wire. For something to be "ductile" (and hence formed into a wire), it must be flexible. Otherwise, it would break. Do not choose "ventilated" (as though the word "ductile" was related to "air ducts"). Likewise, don't choose "wired!" Something that is ductile can be made into a wire; however, it certainly is not itself "wired."

Example Question #47 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

RADIANT

Possible Answers:

Chemical

Boiling

Shining

Blazing

Solar

Correct answer:

Shining

Explanation:

The word "radiant" comes from Latin roots that mean to send out rays. Think of X-rays. Such technology is so named precisely because these devices use waves or "rays" to detect bone (and other) structures in your body. There can be "rays of sun," meaning the sunlight itself, shining. Thus, when we say that something is "radiant," we mean that it is shining. This word can be used metaphorically meaning joyful, as we say something like, "He was radiant when his mother told him that he would have his favorite dessert that that night."

Example Question #48 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery

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

IDENTICAL

Possible Answers:

Duplicate

Similar

Alike

Reflective

Akin

Correct answer:

Duplicate

Explanation:

For this word, be careful not to be fooled! There are a number of options that are meant to fool you into choosing a word that is only close but not exact. When things are "identical," they are exactly the same. Thus, it is not fair to say that they are merely similar, akin, or alike. All of those options merely mean that the things in question are nearly the same but not quite. Thus, the best option is "duplicate."  duplicate is a double of something else. It is an exact copy. Thus, this option is far better than the other ones offered!

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