ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Determining Part of Speech
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ISEE Middle Level Verbal
All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #31 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CURRENT
Flow
Antecedent
Shock
Descent
Dismay
Flow
"Current" can be used as an adjective or as a noun. When used as an adjective, it means contemporary, modern, or having to do with the time period in which we are living at the moment. When it is used as a noun, a "current" is a flow of something, like a river or electricity. So, "flow" is the correct answer. “Shock” means surprise; “dismay” is sadness and disappointment about something; “antecedent” means precursor or something that comes before something else; and “descent” means act of traveling downward.
Example Question #32 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FASHION
Burn
Yell
Whisper
Make
Destroy
Make
When used as a noun, "fashion" can mean currently popular clothing styles, but when used as a verb, it means create out of specific parts or "make." "Destroy" means ruin, demolish, or annihilate; “yell” means shout; and “whisper” means speak quietly so as not to be heard by anyone apart from the person(s) to whom you are talking.
Example Question #33 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PLUNDER
Loot
Campaign
Skirmish
Publicize
Report
Loot
For this question, your habits might help you get it correct very quickly. Perhaps you have heard the expression "loot and plunder." These words are synonyms. When used as verbs, they mean to steal, usually in the midst of wartime. As nouns, they just refer to what is stolen. Thus, you can say, "The pirate plundered his captives," but you could also say, "The pirate looted his captives."
Example Question #34 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FIELD
Talent
Recreation
Answer
Publish
Joy
Answer
This question is using "field" in a way that you might not recognize at first glance. The word does indeed indicate a kind of physical field in which grass (and other things) might be found. The word can also be used as a verb. In this sense, we say things such as, "He fielded questions regarding the event." This means that the person received and answered the questions. (This is somewhat like a baseball catcher being in the field and catching balls—though, in this case, the "balls" are questions!)
Example Question #35 : Identifying Synonyms When Words Have Multiple Meanings
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PARCEL
Broadcast
Announce
Wealth
Divide
Sylvan
Divide
The word "parcel" has several meanings. It can be a noun indicating a package. It can also be a noun indicating some portion of a larger thing, as when we talk about a "parcel of land." In this latter way of speaking, the word can also be used as a verb meaning to divide up. It is in this sense that it is being used in this question, for none of the other options directly answer to one of the other meanings of "parcel."
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