All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #561 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AMBIGUOUS
Able
Argumentative
Mammalian
Imprecise
Dexterous
Imprecise
When something is ambiguous, it is not distinct. For example, someone might shrug his or her shoulders. This action may indicate either not caring or meaning that the person is okay with what was said (or perhaps something entirely different). Such a gesture is thus said to be "ambiguous," for its meaning can go many different ways. (The word comes from roots that mean driving or going both ways at once. You might know the ambi- prefix, which means both. It is related to the word ambidextrous, which means using both hands ably.) Thus, the best option among those provided is imprecise. When something is "precise," it is exact. The "im-" prefix here is what is called a "privitive prefix." It is a prefix that means not. Therefore, "imprecise" means not precise—quite like being ambiguous!
Example Question #562 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
COVERT
Blanket
Visible
Denied
Undercover
Attitude
Undercover
"Covert" means hidden or undercover. Spies often go on covert operations which means that it is a secret operation. "Visible" means able to be seen. "Blanket" is a concrete noun referring to a cloth object used as a cover for warmth. "
Example Question #563 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INTENTIONAL
Relatable
Ambiguous
Deliberate
Indeterminate
Blurry
Deliberate
Look at your answer choices--how would you categorize the words? "Indeterminate," "ambiguous," and "blurry" all refer to something that is not easily known, understood, or perceived. "Relatable" means that you can easily relate to or connect with that that person or thing. "Deliberate" means that there is a clear intention to the action described; in other words, it is "intentional."
Example Question #564 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PAINSTAKING
Careless
Helpful
Careful
Helpless
Hapless
Careful
"Painstaking" means done with great care and patience, meticulous and careful. To provide further help, "hapless" means hopeless, unfortunate, unlucky.
Example Question #565 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HAZARDOUS
Welcoming
Urging
Encouraging
Dangerous
Unnerving
Dangerous
A "hazard" is a danger, so something that is "hazardous" is dangerous. To provide further help, "unnerving" means troubling, worrying; "urging" means begging, pleading.
Example Question #566 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PARTICULAR
Dirty
Lazy
Incomplete
Achieving
Distinct
Distinct
For the word particular, do not be confused by the "part" portion of the word. The word "particular" is not primarily concerned with being a part (in contrast to being a whole). Instead, something is particular when it is specific. For example, whenever you say, "I have a particular color in mind," this means that you actually have a specific color picked out. You are not undecided. Thus, the best option given here is "distinct." Something that is particular is also distinct. The word can also be used to describe someone who is very picky. A person who is "very particular" is very picky—he or she wants something very distinct.
Example Question #567 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HILARIOUS
Joyful
Humorous
Foolish
Amusing
Hysterical
Hysterical
Whenever something is "hilarious," that thing is very funny. For this question, the best option will stress the very. That is, the best option will be one that expresses the idea that a hilarious thing is not merely "amusing" or "funny." It is, instead, "hysterical"—very amusing.
Example Question #568 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ENTICING
Surprising
Attractive
Despicable
Immoral
Examined
Attractive
Whenever something is "enticing," it draws your attention and makes you desire it. Sometimes, we talk about one person enticing another person to do something or go somewhere. Whenever someone or something entices you, it "invites" you to come closer to it. Put another way, we can say that it "attracts" you. Hence, "attractive" is a good synonym for "enticing."
Example Question #569 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
OCCASIONAL
Planned
Random
Infamous
Reliable
Timed
Random
Whenever something happens "occasionally," it does not happen on a regular schedule. It is an irregular occurrence. Hence, you could say, "Rupert's occasional remarks about politics annoyed his family, but they were thankful that he didn't talk about the topic much." To be "occasional" is to happen "only on occasion." (Related words help us to memorize, of course!) Thus, the only option that expresses this idea of being irregular is "random."
Example Question #570 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EXPANSIVE
Extensive
Overweight
Flowing
Examined
Expecting
Extensive
Whenever something is expansive, it covers a large region—either physically or metaphorically. Thus, "expansive" knowledge of a topic is a very broad knowledge, covering many aspects of the topic. An "expansive" plot of land is a very large territory. Thus, the best option among those provided here is "extensive."
All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
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