ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #801 : Synonyms

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

COURTEOUS

Possible Answers:

Culpable

Arrogant

Well-mannered

Trivial

Naive

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 #91 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

DIFFIDENT

Possible Answers:

Talkative

Efficacious

Timid

Brisk

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 #92 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

LOQUACIOUS

Possible Answers:

Crazy

Excitable

Warm

Talkative

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:

Attractive

Detailed

Disgusting

Inappropriate

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 #93 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

INEPT

Possible Answers:

Intent

Incompetent

Attentive

Capable

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 #94 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

PRECOCIOUS

Possible Answers:

Wizened 

Talkative 

Penitent 

Forgiving 

Gifted 

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 #95 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

INEPT

Possible Answers:

Variegated 

Incompetent 

Desperate 

Accord 

Akin 

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 #96 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

OBNOXIOUS

Possible Answers:

Obsolete

Cruel 

Stupid 

Mean 

Annoying 

 

Correct answer:

Annoying 

 

Explanation:

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

Example Question #97 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

DISTINGUISHED

Possible Answers:

Renowned

Attractive

Unique

Divisive 

Different

Correct answer:

Renowned

Explanation:

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

Example Question #98 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

INTREPID

Possible Answers:

Neglectful

Judicial

Neutral

Fearless

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.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors