ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

AQUEOUS

Possible Answers:

Suggested

Sedimentary

Wispy

Watery

Correct answer:

Watery

Explanation:

The word "aqueous" means watery or pertaining to water. The best choice is "watery," as it is a part of the definition of "aqueous." Considering the other choices, "sedimentary" means having to do with sediment, "wispy" means light and delicate, and "suggested" means mentioned for consideration.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin

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

TACTILE

Possible Answers:

Able to be touched 

Able to be heard

Able to be improved 

Able to be tasted 

Able to be seen

Correct answer:

Able to be touched 

Explanation:

The prefix "tact-" means related to touch, so “tactile” means able to be touched. To provide further help, “audible” means able to be heard; “visible” means able to be seen. Notice that the suffix "-ible" means able to be.

Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Roots

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

ACRID

Possible Answers:

Sharp 

Jaunty 

Soothing 

Pacifying

Cantankerous 

Correct answer:

Sharp 

Explanation:

The prefix "acri-" means related to bitterness or harshness. The word “acrid” means unpleasantly sharp or bitter in smell or taste. To provide further help, “soothing” means comforting; “pacifying” means calming; “jaunty” means cheerful; “cantankerous” means grumpy

Example Question #12 : Synonyms: Roots

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

DUCTILE

Possible Answers:

Original

Rigid

Hollow

Pliant

Sticky

Correct answer:

Pliant

Explanation:

The Latin root "duct" means to lead. You may, for example, have seen an "aqueduct," which literally "leads water" in a particular direction. Someone or something that is "ductile" is "able to be led," in the sense of being easily influenced or bendable. This is also the meaning of the word "pliant." "Rigid" is an antonym.

Example Question #261 : Synonyms

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

OCULAR

Possible Answers:

Visual 

Blessed

Condemned 

Tactile 

Audio 

Correct answer:

Visual 

Explanation:

The prefix "ocu-" refers to being able to see, or to the eyes. This is similar to the prefix "vis-," which means to see. We can infer that “ocular” and “visual” are closely related to one another. To provide further help, “audio” means having to do with sound and hearing; “tactile” means able to be touched; “condemned” means considered guilty and awaiting punishment.

Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Roots

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

TENABLE

Possible Answers:

Catastrophic

Sporadic

Reasonable

Debunk

Ambiguous

Correct answer:

Reasonable

Explanation:

The prefix "ten-" means able to be held or defended, so the word “tenable” describes an idea that is able to be held or defended. We could also call this a “reasonable” idea. To provide further help, “debunk” means disprove; “catastrophic” means disastrous; “ambiguous” means unclear; “sporadic” means random and occurring infrequently.

Example Question #12 : Synonyms: Roots

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

PLACID

Possible Answers:

Silver

Calm

Dirty 

Slow

Soft 

Correct answer:

Calm

Explanation:

The word "placid" means calm and peaceful. For example, one might write, "You could see your reflection like a mirror image in the placid lake." So, "calm" is the correct answer.

Example Question #262 : Synonyms

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

AGRARIAN

Possible Answers:

Faithful

Urban

Agricultural

Literary

Scientific

Correct answer:

Agricultural

Explanation:

The prefix "agr-" means having to do with farming or the land, as seen in the word “agriculture.” The word “agrarian” means having to do with to the land or agriculture, so "of land" is the correct answer.

Example Question #17 : Synonyms: Roots

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

HOSPITABLE

Possible Answers:

Cautious

Incompatible

Ideal

Neighborly

Correct answer:

Neighborly

Explanation:

"Hospitable" means generous and friendly in entertaining guests, so "neighborly" would be the best match, as both words mean friendly.

Example Question #263 : Synonyms

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

HOSPITABLE

Possible Answers:

Hostile

Bored

Guest

Friendly

Correct answer:

Friendly

Explanation:

"Hospitable" means receiving guests warmly and generously. The best choice is "friendly" because it means showing kindness and helpfulness. Someone who receives guests warmly and generously would be acting in a friendly manner toward those guests. 

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