ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #386 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

SPONTANEOUS

Possible Answers:

Not likely

Not fair

Not over

Not planned

Not recorded

Correct answer:

Not planned

Explanation:

Something that is "spontaneous" is not planned; happens by chance or accident. To provide further guidance, "recorded" means written down or preserved

Example Question #387 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PUNCTUAL

Possible Answers:

Dilatory

Prudish

Cautious

Scared

Prompt

Correct answer:

Prompt

Explanation:

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

Example Question #388 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

ETERNAL

Possible Answers:

Illiterate

Jubilant

Pious

Passive

Never-ending

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 #1301 : Synonyms

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

ARBITRARY

Possible Answers:

Surprised

Pointed

Jaded

Inconsistent

Unruly

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 #390 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

BRISK

Possible Answers:

Forlorn

Steady

Quick

Fierce

Leisurely

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 #1302 : Synonyms

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

CONSTANT

Possible Answers:

Sustainable

Fallible

Ghastly

Unchanging

Contiguous

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 #392 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

IMMINENT

Possible Answers:

Logical

Impending

Sympathetic

Contrary

Adverse

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 #1303 : Synonyms

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

ERRATIC

Possible Answers:

Flagrant

True

Rational

Tacit

Irregular

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 #394 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

JUVENILE

Possible Answers:

Variegated

Fluffy

Childish

Portentous

Wily

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 #395 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

AUSPICIOUS

Possible Answers:

favorable

permanent

orthodox

exuberant

transitory

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.

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