ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #431 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COURTEOUS

Possible Answers:

Well-mannered

Trivial

Naive

Arrogant

Culpable

Correct answer:

Well-mannered

Explanation:

"Courteous" means polite or well-mannered, so "well-mannered" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "courteous": "culpable" means guilty or blameworthy; "trivial" means small and unimportant; "arrogant" means boastful or egotistic; and "naive" means child-like in judgement.

Example Question #801 : Synonyms

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

DIFFIDENT

Possible Answers:

Brisk

Efficacious

Timid

Talkative

Correct answer:

Timid

Explanation:

The adjective "diffident" describes a person who is shy or reserved due to a lack of comfort around other people. "Brisk" means fast, or crisp when referring to weather, so that choice can be eliminated immediately. "Efficacious" is synonymous with effective, which is unrelated in meaning to "diffident." Finally, a "talkative" person is clearly not shy or reserved. "Timid," which implies shyness, low self-confidence, and nervousness around others, is the best choice here.

Example Question #802 : Synonyms

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

LOQUACIOUS

Possible Answers:

Warm

Talkative

Crazy

Excitable

Egregious

Correct answer:

Talkative

Explanation:

"Loquacious" is an adjective that means "tending to talk a great deal; talkative." So, because "talkative" is the only answer choice that is close in meaning to "loquacious," "talkative" is the correct answer.

Example Question #93 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

REPUGNANT

Possible Answers:

Inappropriate

Attractive

Disgusting

Detailed

Correct answer:

Disgusting

Explanation:

The word "repugnant" means extremely offensive. The best choice is "disgusting," as it shares the same definition as "repugnant."

Example Question #803 : Synonyms

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

INEPT

Possible Answers:

Intent

Attentive

Capable

Incompetent

Correct answer:

Incompetent

Explanation:

The word "inept" means lacking skill or intelligence. The best choice is "incompetent," which also means lacking skill or intelligence. Considering the other choices, "capable" is an antonym of "inept" and means having skill or ability, "intent" means determined when used as an adjective and purpose when used as a nounand "attentive" means paying attention or observant.

Example Question #804 : Synonyms

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

PRECOCIOUS

Possible Answers:

Wizened 

Penitent 

Gifted 

Forgiving 

Talkative 

Correct answer:

Gifted 

Explanation:

The word "precocious" is used to describe someone who is very young, gifted and talented. So, "gifted" is the correct answer. To help you, "wizened" means old and wrinkly, and "penitent" means sorry for having done wrong and seeking forgiveness.

Example Question #805 : Synonyms

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

INEPT

Possible Answers:

Akin 

Accord 

Variegated 

Incompetent 

Desperate 

Correct answer:

Incompetent 

Explanation:

"Inept" means lacking skill, so "incompetent" is the best correct answer. To help you, "akin" means similar to, "accord" means agreement, "desperate" means overwhelmed with urgency and anxiety, and "variegated" means diverse, showing many different colors.

Example Question #806 : Synonyms

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

OBNOXIOUS

Possible Answers:

Obsolete

Stupid 

Mean 

Annoying 

 

Cruel 

Correct answer:

Annoying 

 

Explanation:

"Obnoxious" means annoying or irritating, so "annoying" is the correct answer.

Example Question #807 : Synonyms

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

DISTINGUISHED

Possible Answers:

Unique

Different

Divisive 

Renowned

Attractive

Correct answer:

Renowned

Explanation:

"Distinguished" means commanding respect or authority, which is also the definition of "renowned." So, "renowned" is the synonym.

Example Question #808 : Synonyms

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

INTREPID

Possible Answers:

Fearless

Neglectful

Neutral

Judicial

Coy

Correct answer:

Fearless

Explanation:

"Intrepid" means fearless or unafraid, so "fearless" is the correct answer. "Coy" means shy or modest in a flirtatious way. "Judicial" means related to a judge, court, or law. "Neglectful" means not careful or attentive. "Neutral" means impartial or not taking sides.

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