ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #271 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LIMBER

Possible Answers:

Inflexible 

Timid 

Strong 

Agile 

Weak 

Correct answer:

Agile 

Explanation:

"Limber" means agile or flexible, so "agile" is the correct answer. To help you, "inflexible" means not flexible and is an antonym of "limber." Finally, "timid" means shy

Example Question #272 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PECKISH

Possible Answers:

Idealistic

Avian

Charlatan

Hungry

Correct answer:

Hungry

Explanation:

The word "peckish" means somewhat hungry. The best choice is "hungry" because it is a part of the definition of "peckish." Considering the other choices, "avian" means having to do with birds, "idealistic" means having high goals, and a "charlatan" is a person who pretends to have more knowledge or skill than they actually have.

Example Question #273 : Identifying Synonyms

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

VORACIOUS

Possible Answers:

Graceful

Young

Edible

Starving

Correct answer:

Starving

Explanation:

The word "voracious" means incredibly hungry. The best choice is "starving" because it shares the same definition as "voracious." Considering the other choices, "young" means in the early stages of life, "graceful" means having beauty and elegance in form, and "edible" means able to be eaten.

Example Question #274 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

FAMISHED

Possible Answers:

Thirsty 

Responsible 

Uncomfortable

Unpopular

Starving 

Correct answer:

Starving 

Explanation:

“Famished” means very hungry or starving and comes from the same root as “famine,” which means a prolonged period without food. To provide further help, “unpopular” means not well-liked; “uncomfortable” means not comfortable; “responsible” means accountable, to be blamed if something goes wrong.

Example Question #275 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ROBUST

Possible Answers:

Timid

Sturdy

Miserable

Flexible

Frequent

Correct answer:

Sturdy

Explanation:

"Robust" means strong, durable, or sturdy, so "sturdy" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "robust": "timid" means easily scared and frightened; "flexible" means pliable or able to bend easily; "miserable" means depressed and unhappy; and "frequent" means occurring often.

Example Question #276 : Identifying Synonyms

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

OPAQUE

Possible Answers:

Powerful

Disgusting 

Opulent

Foggy 

Correct answer:

Foggy 

Explanation:

"Opaque" means non-transparent or unable to let light pass through and thus be looked through. Something that is "cloudy" is not see-through; therefore, "cloudy" is the closest synonym because something that is cloudy is not see-through, and hence is non-transparent. None of the other possibilities mean "non-transparent." While "opulent" sounds similar to opaque, it has a different meaning: wealthy. As for the other answer choices, "disgusting" means unpleasant to the senses or gross, and "powerful" means possessing power or strong.

Example Question #277 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ORNATE

Possible Answers:

Expensive

Immense

Decorative

Simple

Plain

Correct answer:

Decorative

Explanation:

If something is ornate, it means that it is decorative or detailed.  An example of this is there may be an ornate artistic design that an artist chooses to use in a painting.

Example Question #278 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LAVISH

Possible Answers:

Proud

Extravagant

Sparse

Superior

Wild

Correct answer:

Extravagant

Explanation:

Although there is a verb form of "lavish," this question refers to the adjectival form of the word "lavish." Thus, the word "lavish," as used in the phrase "lavish spending," is closest in meaning to the word "extravagant."

Example Question #279 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ANEMIC

Possible Answers:

Pale

Anxious 

Modest 

Haughty 

Tanned 

Correct answer:

Pale

Explanation:

“Anemic” means sick-looking or weak, and as such, it is closest in meaning to “pale,” which means lacking color or looking sick. To provide further help, “haughty” means boastful and arrogant; “tanned” means darkened by the sun; “anxious” means worried; and “modest” means not haughty or humble

Example Question #280 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ARID

Possible Answers:

Cold

Intense

Damp

Dry

Airy

Correct answer:

Dry

Explanation:

"Arid" is an adjective that means "having little or no rain; too dry or barren to support vegetation" when it refers to land or climate, or "lacking in interest, excitement, or meaning" in referring to other things. So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like either "dry" or "boring." While "airy" may look like a potentially correct answer choice because it is similar in spelling and pronunciation to "arid," "airy" does not mean "dry" or "boring," so it cannot be the correct answer. "Dry" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "arid," so it is the correct answer.

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