ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Verbs About Emotional Changes

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Verbs About Emotional Changes

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

PACIFY

Possible Answers:

Soothe

Calmness

Provoke

Sleep

Anger

Correct answer:

Soothe

Explanation:

"Pacify" is a verb meaning "quell the anger, agitation, or excitement of," so we need to pick out a verb that means something like "calm down." While "calmness" may look like a potentially correct answer, "calmness" is a noun and "pacify" a verb, so "calmness" cannot be the correct answer. "Soothe," however, is a verb meaning "gently calm a person or their feelings," "reduce pain or discomfort in a part of the body," or "relieve or ease pain." Because "soothe" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "pacify," "soothe" is the correct answer.

Example Question #222 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

ANTAGONIZE

Possible Answers:

Praise

Aggravate

Compliment

Triumph

Correct answer:

Aggravate

Explanation:

"Antagonize" is a verb that means oppose with hostility, so the answer choice closest in meaning to antagonize is "aggravate," a verb meaning make something bad worse or cause to feel annoyed or angry, often intentionally. Considering the other answer choices, none are close in meaning to "antagonize": "praise" is a verb meaning express approval; "compliment" means praise a certain feature, trait, or accomplishment of someone; and "triumph," when used as a verb, means succeed.

Example Question #13 : Synonyms: Verbs About Emotional Changes

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

PETRIFY

Possible Answers:

Terrible

Paralyze

Rock

Ash

Correct answer:

Paralyze

Explanation:

The word "petrify" means paralyze with fear. "Paralyze" is the best choice because it is a part of the meaning of "petrify."

Example Question #223 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

DETEST

Possible Answers:

Savor

Consent

Abhor

Esteem

Correct answer:

Abhor

Explanation:

"Detest" means to hate or to despise. "Abhor" means the same thing, so it is the correct answer. "Esteem" means to respect someone or something, "consent" means to agree to something, and "savor" means to enjoy something.

Example Question #231 : Synonyms: Verbs

Synonyms: Select the word or phrase that best matches the word in capital letters. 

PERTURB

Possible Answers:

Serve 

Worry 

Hurt 

Desire 

Admire 

Correct answer:

Worry 

Explanation:

"Perturb" means worry. if you are feeling "perturbed," you are feeling worried and uncertain. To further help you, "desire" means want; "admire" means appreciate.

Example Question #232 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

FRET

Possible Answers:

Halt

Marry

Worry

Silence

Soothe

Correct answer:

Worry

Explanation:

"Fret" is a verb meaning to worry excessively. For example: "The vicious guard dog caused all intruders to FRET regarding their safety."

"Soothe" is a verb that describes the action of calming someone down, often an action done to someone who is "fretting." "Halt" is a verb meaning to stop an action or movement. As a verb "silence" means to make, usually someone else, be quiet.

Example Question #233 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

ABHOR

Possible Answers:

Instigate

Enhance

Covet

Despise

Desire

Correct answer:

Despise

Explanation:

To "abhor" something is to loathe, despise or hate it. You might "abhor" violence and refuse to watch TV shows that use violent imagery.

"Covet is an antonym to "abhor." "Instigate" is a verb meaning to cause an event or arouse an emotion that causes action. To "desire" something is to want that thing. To "enhance" something is to make that thing better.

Example Question #234 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

AGITATE

Possible Answers:

Disturb

Avoid

Permit

Condemn

Retract

Correct answer:

Disturb

Explanation:

To "agitate" something means to disturb or to unsettle. To feel "agitated" means to feel unsettled, to feel anxious. To provide further help, "condemn" means express disapproval of, denounce; "retract" means take back, as in to take back a statement; "permit" means allow

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