ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #901 : Identifying Synonyms

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

TYPICAL

Possible Answers:

average

printed

proficient

trained

Correct answer:

average

Explanation:

The word "typical" generally means matching the general features of a given type (of thing). A "typical coffee mug" is your standard mug, having a roundish body and a handle. It "fits the mold," so to speak. Therefore, the word "typical" can also mean average or normal. A "typical mug" is likewise normal—as coffee mugs go at least. Therefore, the best answer is "average," which alone indicates such normalcy.

Example Question #902 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CAPACIOUS

Possible Answers:

Tenacious 

Homogenous 

Commodious

Antithesis 

Loquacious 

Correct answer:

Commodious

Explanation:

“Capacious” means roomy, able to hold a large amount of something. This is most similar in meaning to “commodious,” which means roomy and spacious. To provide further help, “tenacious” means stubborn, resolute; “antithesis” means evidence against the argument; “loquacious” means talkative; “homogenous” means consisting of similar or identical, things

Example Question #1264 : Synonyms

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

BIZARRE

Possible Answers:

Unworthy

Odd

Dignified

Neutral

Unstable

Correct answer:

Odd

Explanation:

"Bizarre" means strange, unusual, or odd.

Example Question #903 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SUNDRY

Possible Answers:

Unique

Diverse

Obtuse

Stuffy

Uniform

Correct answer:

Diverse

Explanation:

“Sundry” is an adjective that means “of various kinds; several,” so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like “of various kinds.” That means that “uniform” cannot be the correct answer, because “uniform” can mean “of a similar form to another,” making it an antonym, not a synonym, of “sundry.” “Diverse,” however, is an adjective that means “showing a lot of variety,” and because “diverse” is the answer choice closest in meaning to “sundry,” “diverse” is the correct answer.

Example Question #904 : Identifying Synonyms

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

UNCONVENTIONAL

Possible Answers:

complex

ancient

subtle

impractical

untraditional 

Correct answer:

untraditional 

Explanation:

Something that is "unconventional" is outside the norm and tradition. You can figure this out by considering the component parts of the word: "un-," a negative prefix, and "conventional," which means following typical norms and traditionalSomething that is "nontraditional" is different from traditional practices. Again, this word's prefix sheds light on its meaning: "non-," a negative prefix is attached to "traditional," making "nontraditional" mean the opposite of "traditional." Something different from common practice is outside the norm. Therefore, "nontraditional" is the best synonym for "unconventional."

Example Question #905 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COPIOUS

Possible Answers:

excessive

incredible

distasteful

generous

careful

Correct answer:

excessive

Explanation:

"Copious" means to be excessive or overflowing. "Excessive" means existing in a quantity totaling much more than is needed. Therefore, "excessive" is the best synonym of "copious." A tempting wrong answer choice is "generous" because people who have copious amounts of something may tend to be generous with sharing that thing. However, "generous" is not a synonym of "copious."

Example Question #906 : Identifying Synonyms

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

NUMEROUS

Possible Answers:

Quantitative

Numbered

Mathematical

Copious

Serious

Correct answer:

Copious

Explanation:

"Numerous" means existing in a great quantity, so "copious," which means existing in a large amount, is the correct answer.

Example Question #907 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FINITE

Possible Answers:

Pertinent

Fixed

Humane

Illicit

Livid

Correct answer:

Fixed

Explanation:

"Finite" means limited or fixed in terms of quantity, so "fixed" is the correct answer. "Pertinent" means relevant or appropriate for a specific matter. "Humane" means compassionate, sympathetic, or showing feelings and emotion. "Illicit" means unlawful or illegal. "Livid" means very angry.

Example Question #908 : Identifying Synonyms

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

MYRIAD

Possible Answers:

Bias

Shiny

Countless

Median

Correct answer:

Countless

Explanation:

The word "myriad" means great in number. The best choice is "countless" because it means too great in number to count or very great in number. Considering the other choices, "shiny" means reflecting a lot of light, "bias" means preference, and "median" means the middle. 

Example Question #909 : Identifying Synonyms

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

REDUNDANT

Possible Answers:

Repetitive

Daring

Rhetorical

Accepting

Exclusive

Correct answer:

Repetitive

Explanation:

Things that are "redundant" are characterized by unnecessary repetition, so "repetitive" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "redundant" and the correct answer. 

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