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 #51 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

COVERT

Possible Answers:

Secret

Solemn

Finished

Jealous

Open

Correct answer:

Secret

Explanation:

"Covert" is an adjective describing something that is secret, hidden, or undercover. "Open" can be an antonym to "covert" if used to describe someone's attitude towards information. None of the other words are particularly related to "covert."

Example Question #52 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

COUNTERFEIT

Possible Answers:

Solid

Fake

Loud

Opposite

Valid

Correct answer:

Fake

Explanation:

Counterfeit is an adjective describing something that is fake, fraudulent, or unreal. "Counter-" is a prefix that connotes an opposite. "Valid" is close to an antonym to counterfeit.

Example Question #53 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

NOXIOUS

Possible Answers:

Hateful

Poisonous

Exposed

Disruptive

Clean

Correct answer:

Poisonous

Explanation:

"Noxious" means harmful or poisonous. A "noxious" gas might be toxic. "Hateful" means either deserving of or being filled with extreme anger. "Disruptive" means tending to disturb the normal order of a situation. "Exposed" refers to being uncovered or made visible.

Example Question #51 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

VACANT

Possible Answers:

Blank

Generous

Inexpensive

Competitive

Poor

Correct answer:

Blank

Explanation:

The word "vacant" is related to the words "vacuum" and "vacation." A "vacuum" is an empty space. A vacation is "empty time" during which you can rest and do what you want to do. Whenever a piece of property is "vacant," it is empty, having nobody occupying it. We can also use the word "vacant" to describe something that is generally empty. Thus, a "vacant stare" is a facial expression that is "empty"—as though the person were looking off into space without any particular focus.

Example Question #55 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

STATELY

Possible Answers:

Impressive

Intriguing

Lethal

Political

Important

Correct answer:

Impressive

Explanation:

Whenever something is "stately," it is majestic or very grand. Things that are "important" can also be called "stately," but the two words are not exact synonyms. Instead, the best option for this question is the simple "impressive." Whenever something is "stately," its majesty and grandeur are impressive.

Example Question #56 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

INERT

Possible Answers:

Active

Unwieldy

Intense

Sluggish

Iconic

Correct answer:

Sluggish

Explanation:

Inert is defined as "inactive" or "sluggish." Other answer choices are incorrect; iconic means relating to, or of the nature of an icon; "unwieldy" means cumbersome or unmanageable; "active" means energetic; and "intense" means extreme or passionate.

Example Question #52 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DECEPTIVE

Possible Answers:

Illusory

Unexpected

Illegal

Thieving

Forceful

Correct answer:

Illusory

Explanation:

Whenever we deceive someone, we trick or lie to him or her.  Thus, something that is "deceptive" is something that we could call "tricky." A deceptive person is someone who manipulates with lies. A deceptive appearance is something that looks one way, though it really is not in fact that way. For example, a building might look deceptively tall when it is, in fact, quite short. Thus, it creates an illusion. This is why "illusory" is a good synonym for "deceptive."

Example Question #58 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

INSIPID

Possible Answers:

Prosperous

Lavish

Obstinate

Healthy

Boring

Correct answer:

Boring

Explanation:

"Insipid" means lacking interest or flavor, which is closest in meaning to "boring."

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