ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #511 : Identifying Synonyms

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

LABORIOUS

Possible Answers:

Simple

Overt

Difficult

Mediocre

Mundane

Correct answer:

Difficult

Explanation:

"Labor" means work, so it makes sense that “laborious” means involving hard work, or "difficult." “Mundane” means boring or ordinary; “mediocre” means average when higher quality was expected; and "overt" means obvious or easy to notice.

Example Question #512 : Identifying Synonyms

Which of the following is a synonym of "impervious?"

Possible Answers:

Exposed

Susceptible

Sensitive

Resistant

Nervous

Correct answer:

Resistant

Explanation:

Resistant. Impervious most nearly means, impenetrable and impassable. Something that is "impervious" is resistant to certain or all things. For instance, a sentence using the word would be "He was impervious to her reasoning."

Most of the other choices are antonyms, with the exception of "nervous" which is unrelated.

Example Question #513 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DISPARATE

Possible Answers:

Delayed

Bombastic

Uneven

Cold

Correct answer:

Uneven

Explanation:

The word "disparate" means unequal or uneven. The best choice is "uneven," as it is a part of the definition of "disparate." Considering the other choices, "delayed" means put off to a later time, "cold" means having a relatively low temperature, and "bombastic" describes language and means sounding impressive but not actually meaning much.

Example Question #21 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

CONSPICUOUS

Possible Answers:

Prominent

Watchful 

Careful 

Observant

Conscience

Correct answer:

Prominent

Explanation:

Conspicuous means easily noticeable, or "prominent."

Example Question #514 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CONTRARY

Possible Answers:

Similar

Contradictory

Composite

Different

Canary

Correct answer:

Contradictory

Explanation:

"Contrary" is defined as opposite in nature. "Contradictory" is defined as asserting the opposite. Therefore, the two words are synonyms. 

Example Question #22 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

CONTRARY

Possible Answers:

Distraught

Constant

Complimentary

Outrage

Opposite

Correct answer:

Opposite

Explanation:

"Contrary" means opposite of, so "opposite" is the synonym. 

Example Question #515 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COMPATIBLE

Possible Answers:

Well-matched 

Well-spoken 

Poorly-matched 

Poorly-expressed 

Comparative

Correct answer:

Well-matched 

Explanation:

"Compatible" means well-matched; two things that are compatible go well together. So, "well-matched" is the correct answer.

Example Question #516 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CONGRUENT

Possible Answers:

Denied

Compatible

Paired

Hardworking

Correct answer:

Compatible

Explanation:

The word "congruent" means agreeable or compatible. The best choice is "compatible" because it shares the same definition as "congruent." Considering the other choices, "paired" means put together in a pair, "hardworking" means dedicated, and "denied" means rejected.

Example Question #517 : Identifying Synonyms

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

OBTUSE

Possible Answers:

Unintelligent 

Obtrusive

Angry 

Rude

Correct answer:

Unintelligent 

Explanation:

"Obtuse" is an adjective that means lacking mental acuity. Someone who is "unintelligent" is not very bright, and hence lacks mental acuity. Therefore, unintelligent is the correct answer. The other answer choices, "obtrusive," "rude," and "angry" do not mean this: "obtrusive" means conspicuous or getting in the way; "rude" means impolite or crass; and "angry" means irate or mad.

Example Question #518 : Identifying Synonyms

exhilarating

Possible Answers:

interesting

illuminating

numbing

tedious

thrilling

Correct answer:

thrilling

Explanation:

"Exhilarating" is an adjective that means "making one feel very happy, animated or elated." Tedious is an antonym, it has the opposite meaning, which is boring. Illuminating and interesting both sound similar to exhilarating, but they refer to growing lighter and gaining or seeking information. And when one is happy, animated or elated, one is not usually numb, but feels everything. So "thrilling" is the best answer, as it refers to happiness and excitement. 

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