ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #521 : Identifying Synonyms

A synonym of "inveterate" is __________.

Possible Answers:

pointless

angry

incurable

ignored

marginal

Correct answer:

incurable

Explanation:

"Inveterate" is an adjective that means either "having a particular habit, activity, or interest that is long-established and unlikely to change," or when describing such a feeling or habit, "long-established and unlikely to change." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "unlikely to change." "Incurable," an adjective that when used of a person or behavior can mean "unable to be changed," is the answer choice closest in meaning to "inveterate," so "incurable" is the correct answer.

Example Question #522 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CONTAMINATED

Possible Answers:

Forced 

Measured

Prohibited

Infected

Forbidden 

Correct answer:

Infected

Explanation:

“Contaminated” means infected with something. To provide further help, “prohibited” and "forbidden" are synonyms and both mean banned; “forced” means made to do something; “measured,” in the context of this question, means deliberate and careful.

Example Question #523 : Identifying Synonyms

A synonym of "conventional" is __________.

Possible Answers:

unusual

moving

standard

novel

perceptive

Correct answer:

standard

Explanation:

"Conventional" is an adjective meaning "used and accepted by most people: usual or traditional," "of a kind that has been around for a long time and is considered to be usual or typical," or "common and ordinary: not unusual." So, we need to pick out an adjective that means something like "usual" or "ordinary." "Novel" and "unusual" are antonyms of "conventional," so neither can be the correct answer, but "standard," when used as an adjective, means "used or accepted as normal or average." Because "standard" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "conventional," "standard" is the correct answer.

Example Question #524 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DISPARATE

Possible Answers:

Parrotlike

Insulting

Gregarious

Unequal

Correct answer:

Unequal

Explanation:

The word "disparate" means unequal. "Unequal" is the best choice because it is a part of the definition of "disparate." Considering the other choices, "parrotlike" means having the qualities of a parrot, "insulting" means causing offense or insult, and "gregarious" means loving the company of others.

Example Question #525 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INERT

Possible Answers:

Miserly 

Delectable 

Somber 

Abominable

Motionless

Correct answer:

Motionless

Explanation:

"Inert" means motionless, still. To further help you, "delectable" means delicious, tasty; "miserly" means not generous; "abominable" means monstrous, offensive; "somber" means serious and sad.

Example Question #526 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INERT

Possible Answers:

Edible

Static

Impassioned 

Audible

Visible

Correct answer:

Static

Explanation:

“Inert” means static or motionless, so "static" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "inert": "visible" means able to be seen; "edible" means able to be eaten; "audible" means able to be heard; and "impassioned" means emotional.

Example Question #527 : Identifying Synonyms

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

INERT

Possible Answers:

Still

Vocal

Capable

Limber

Inept

Correct answer:

Still

Explanation:

"Inert" means lacking the ability or strength to move. If someone is inert, she is motionless or still.

Example Question #528 : Identifying Synonyms

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

OBSTRUCTED

Possible Answers:

Wary

Prosperous

Diffusive

Malignant

Hindered

Correct answer:

Hindered

Explanation:

If you are "obstructed," it means that you are hindered or having to deal with an obstacle in your way. So, "hindered" is the correct answer.

Example Question #529 : Identifying Synonyms

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

EXPEDIENT

Possible Answers:

Pedal

Cautious

Quiet

Practical

Correct answer:

Practical

Explanation:

"Expedient" means practical but possibly immoral. The best choice is "practical" because it is part of the definition of "expedient." Considering the other choices, a "pedal" is a lever controlled by foot in order to operate something, "cautious" means showing alertness in a dangerous situation, and "quiet" means silent or not saying much.

Example Question #37 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

RELUCTANT

Possible Answers:

Lucrative

Reclusive

Passive

Disinclined

Unknown

Correct answer:

Disinclined

Explanation:

"Ruluctant"  is defined as unwilling. This is similar to "disinclined."

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