ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1302 : Synonyms

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

PUNCTUAL

Possible Answers:

Scared

Prompt

Cautious

Prudish

Dilatory

Correct answer:

Prompt

Explanation:

"Punctual" means prompt or on time. Therefore, "prompt" is the proper synonym. 

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Movement, And Location

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

ETERNAL

Possible Answers:

Jubilant

Illiterate

Never-ending

Pious

Passive

Correct answer:

Never-ending

Explanation:

"Eternal" means not having an end or lasting forever, so "never-ending" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "eternal": "illiterate" means not having learned to read or write; "jubilant" means extremely happy and joyful; "passive"  means not active; and "pious" means very religious.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Movement, And Location

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

ARBITRARY

Possible Answers:

Pointed

Inconsistent

Unruly

Surprised

Jaded

Correct answer:

Inconsistent

Explanation:

"Arbitrary" means unreasonable or undetermined. "Inconsistent" is the best choice because it means contradictory or erratic. When something is "inconsistent," it is constantly changing and therefore cannot be determined. Considering the other choices, "surprised" means shocked or astonished, "jaded" means worn out, and "unruly" means difficult to control.

Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Movement, And Location

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

BRISK

Possible Answers:

Forlorn

Leisurely

Fierce

Quick

Steady

Correct answer:

Quick

Explanation:

Something that is "brisk" is best summarized as quick or fast; for example, a "brisk" wind is one that is blustering.  In terms of the other answer choices, "forlorn" means lonely; "steady" means constant; "leisurely" means laidback; and "fierce" means strong or aggressive.

Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Movement, And Location

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

CONSTANT

Possible Answers:

Sustainable

Ghastly

Contiguous

Fallible

Unchanging

Correct answer:

Unchanging

Explanation:

“Constant” means not changing, staying the same. To provide further help, “fallible” means imperfect; “ghastly” means ghost-like or horrific; “contiguous” means sequential; “sustainable” means able to be kept going

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Movement, And Location

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

IMMINENT

Possible Answers:

Impending

Contrary

Logical

Adverse

Sympathetic

Correct answer:

Impending

Explanation:

"Imminent" is defined as likely to occur at any moment, and "impending" is defined as about to happen. These similar definitions make the two words synonyms. 

Example Question #9 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Time, Age, Movement, And Location

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

ERRATIC

Possible Answers:

Irregular

Tacit

True

Flagrant

Rational

Correct answer:

Irregular

Explanation:

The word "erratic" means constantly changing or having no certain state. "Irregular" is the best choice because it has a related definition—not regularConsidering the other choices, "true" means accurately reflecting things as they are or correct, "rational" means agreeable to reason, "tacit" means understood without being said, and "flagrant" means brazen or done without care for the obviousness with which one is breaking rules.

Example Question #1301 : Synonyms

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

JUVENILE

Possible Answers:

Wily

Portentous

Childish

Fluffy

Variegated

Correct answer:

Childish

Explanation:

"Juvenile” means immature and behaving like a child or young in age, so "childish" is the correct answer. "Variegated" means containing many different colors, especially in a stripe-like pattern; "portentous" means ominous; and "wily" means clever and sneaky.

Example Question #1302 : Synonyms

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

AUSPICIOUS

Possible Answers:

favorable

transitory

exuberant

permanent

orthodox

Correct answer:

favorable

Explanation:

“Auspicious” means favorable or lucky, so "favorable" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “exuberant” means excited and enthusiastic; “permanent” means lasting or unable to be erased; “transitory” means temporary or not permanent; and “orthodox” means conventional or abiding by a given set of rules.

Example Question #941 : Identifying Synonyms

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

STATIONARY

Possible Answers:

Staunch

Fluid

Unmoving

Stern

Frosty

Correct answer:

Unmoving

Explanation:

“Stationary” means unmoving as opposed to in motion, so "unmoving" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “staunch” means committed and firmly supporting; “frosty” means cold; “stern” means strict and sticking to the rules; and "fluid," when used as an adjective, means either flowing or in a liquid form.

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