ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #316 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

EXPANSIVE

Possible Answers:

Overweight

Extensive

Examined

Flowing

Expecting

Correct answer:

Extensive

Explanation:

Whenever something is expansive, it covers a large region—either physically or metaphorically. Thus, "expansive" knowledge of a topic is a very broad knowledge, covering many aspects of the topic. An "expansive" plot of land is a very large territory. Thus, the best option among those provided here is "extensive."

Example Question #571 : Identifying Synonyms

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

FOREIGN

Possible Answers:

Notorious

Ancient

Wild

Uncivilized

Exotic

Correct answer:

Exotic

Explanation:

When something is "foreign," it is distant, removed, and likely unknown. A foreign country is a country that is not your own country. Sometimes, you can use the word to describe more conceptual things. For instance, if someone does not know anything about a topic, we sometimes say, "That was a foreign notion to him or her." The only option that expresses this kind of foreignness is the word "exotic."

Example Question #572 : Identifying Synonyms

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

RECLUSIVE

Possible Answers:

Reflective

Secluded

Intelligent

Ponderous

Contemplative

Correct answer:

Secluded

Explanation:

Something that is "reclusive" is something that is isolated away from other things. When a person is described as being "reclusive," that person lives in a solitary manner, away from other people. "Seclusion" is the state of being isolated in this manner. Hence, it is an acceptable synonym.  A good example of "reclusive" in a sentence would be, "The old man decided that he wanted to live his last days in a reclusive manner, staying in his house and reading the books that he loved, undisturbed by other people."

Example Question #573 : Identifying Synonyms

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

OMNIPOTENT

Possible Answers:

Capable

Unconquerable

Sturdy

Powerful

Able

Correct answer:

Unconquerable

Explanation:

The word "omnipotent" comes from the combination of the prefix "omni-", meaning all or totally, and the base "-potent," meaning powerful. Whenever someone is described as being "all-powerful," that person is not merely capable or able to do things. He or she is utterly unstoppable. Therefore, the best option provided here is "unconquerable."

Example Question #311 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DISTURBANCE

Possible Answers:

Hatred

Illegality 

Deliverance

Infuriation

Agitation

Correct answer:

Agitation

Explanation:

A "disturbance" is something that interrupts the normal status of things. It is the result of the action of "disturbing." Thus, a disturbance could be a loud sound in a quiet neighborhood but also could be a riot that causes a city to shut down because of the violence. Indeed, even agitated emotions can be a disturbance, as when someone gets very angry about things and then cannot think clearly.

Example Question #321 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

POROUS

Possible Answers:

Abrupt

Filmy

Skinned

Oily

Penetrable

Correct answer:

Penetrable

Explanation:

The word "porous" comes from the same roots as the word "pore"—yes, meaning the things on your skin! You can think of pores as kinds of holes in the surface of the skin. Therefore, the general meaning of "porous" is full of small holes that let things pass through. Thus, a porous surface can be called "permeable," which also describes something that is not locked up but, instead, lets certain materials through. A "permeable membrane" is a kind of membrane that allows water and other substances through it.

Example Question #574 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ABSOLUTE

Possible Answers:

Enlightened

Determined

Pejorative

Unlimited

Forceful

Correct answer:

Unlimited

Explanation:

The general idea of something being "absolute" is of something that is unmoving and unchanging. This is opposed to being "relative." We speak of "'relative" matters when we say things like, "The desk is tall, at least in comparison to the pea on the ground," and "George is more handsome than Harold." However, the word "absolute" can then be extended to mean "unlimited." Whenever something is "unlimited," there is nothing relative to it that can limit its exercise or force. Thus, "absolute power" is unlimited power that has no check on it whatsoever.

Example Question #575 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PERCEPTIVE

Possible Answers:

Amazing

Sensational

Stunning

Charming

Insightful

Correct answer:

Insightful

Explanation:

The word "perceptive" clearly is related to "perception" or "to perceive." When we perceive something, we either sense it or understand it. For example, you might say, "He perceived the danger of the situation," meaning that the person understood that the situation was dangerous. A "perceptive" person is someone who has the ability to understand. Hence, he or she could well be called "insightful," indicating his or her clear "vision"—meaning that he or she has a clear ability to understand things. Likewise, we can describe something like remarks as being "perceptive," meaning that they express matters intelligently.

Example Question #576 : Identifying Synonyms

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

HABITUAL

Possible Answers:

Reflective

Customary

Annoying

Utter

Virtuous

Correct answer:

Customary

Explanation:

Whenever something is "habitual," it has become a fixed and regular habit. For example, someone might habitually tap his foot, meaning that he regularly taps it no matter where he is at. Likewise, a person who regularly smokes cigarettes is rightly called a "habitual smoker." The word can be used to describe any settled way of acting; hence, the word "customary" is a good option for this question. "Customs" are the kinds of things that we establish in our culture and just "keep doing" without thinking too much. Hence, there are customs like saying "thank you," but also customs like buying flowers for those whom we love. We do these things out of a kind of habit. Hence, the word "customary" is a good option among those provided here.

Example Question #577 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SILENTLY

Possible Answers:

Reservedly

Inaudibly

Commonly

Remarkably

Shyly

Correct answer:

Inaudibly

Explanation:

Probably the most tempting wrong answers for this question are "reservedly" and "timidly." When someone is "reserved," he or she is quiet or at least does not put him or herself forward to express things. Likewise, a "timid" person is fearful and thus often quite shy. Such a person is likely quiet. The best option for a synonym here is "inaudibly." When something is "audible," it is able to be heard. (Audio, for example, is something that you listen to. The root words for the two words are the same.) The "in-" prefix is called a "privative" prefix. It means not. Therefore something that is in-audible is not audible—silent!

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