ISEE Upper Level Verbal : ISEE Upper Level (grades 9-12) Verbal Reasoning

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #151 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

CLEAVE

Possible Answers:

Split

Multiply

Augment

Subtract

Enhance

Correct answer:

Split

Explanation:

To "cleave" something means to cut in half, to split something. To provide further help, "enhance" and "augment" are synonyms, both words mean to make something better by adding to it

Example Question #152 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

KINDLE

Possible Answers:

Ignite

Abscond

Defer

Read

Ridicule

Correct answer:

Ignite

Explanation:

"Kindle" means to light on fire, to ignite. To provide further help, "ridicule" means mock, make fun of; "defer" means postpone, put off, allow someone else to take charge; "abscond" means run away, usually run away with

Example Question #153 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

REVERBERATE

Possible Answers:

Recoil

Scrutinize

Complain

Echo

Formulate

Correct answer:

Echo

Explanation:

"Reverberate" means to echo, to rebound and re-sound. To provide further help, "recoil" means step back from in fear or disgust; "formulate" means come up with; "scrutinize" means carefully examine

Example Question #154 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

RUFFLE

Possible Answers:

Disturb

Postpone

Recreate

Encourage

Imply

Correct answer:

Disturb

Explanation:

To "ruffle" means to disarrange, to disturb, to mess up. To provide further help, "imply" means suggest. To "postpone" something is to put that thing off for later. To "encourage" is to support or pump up.

Example Question #155 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

SATE

Possible Answers:

Gratify

Abstain

Vindicate

Drawl

Quaff

Correct answer:

Gratify

Explanation:

"Sate" and "gratify" both mean satisfy. As for the other answer choices, "abstain" means hold back from doing; "quaff" means drink down or gulp; "drawl" means lengthen or draw out; and "vindicate" means prove one's innocence.

Example Question #156 : Synonyms: Verbs

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

VEX

Possible Answers:

Annoy

Horrify

Trigger

Question

Enrage

Correct answer:

Annoy

Explanation:

The word “vex” comes from the Latin for “to annoy.” “Vexations,” are annoying things. One could use the word in a sentence like, “After many years of living with Sally, Joan started to become vexed by all of her little character flaws, eventually becoming enraged by what were at best small annoyances.”

Example Question #322 : Identifying Synonyms

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

REPULSE

Possible Answers:

Foul

Reek

Undulate

Retch

Repel

Correct answer:

Repel

Explanation:

We usually think of a “repulsive” thing as being disgusting or gross. The correspondence is not direct. Something gross is called “repulsive” because it “pushes people away from it.” (Nobody wants to be close to the person with body odor; he or she “repulses” people away.) A “pulsation” is so called because it is caused by a “beating” or “pressing” motion. To “repulse” is to “drive, beat, or press” someone away.

Example Question #323 : Identifying Synonyms

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

COVET

Possible Answers:

Maneuver

Introduce

Cover

Crave

Detest

Correct answer:

Crave

Explanation:

"Covet" is a verb that means "yearn to possess or have something," so we need to pick out a verb that means something like "yearn to possess." While "cover" may sound and look similar to "covet," the two words have very different meanings, so "cover" cannot be the correct answer. "Crave," however, means "feel a powerful desire for something," and because it is the closest synonym of "covet" among the possible answer choices, "crave" is the correct answer.

Example Question #324 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DAUNT

Possible Answers:

Enhance

Deter

Embolden

Equivocate

Corrupt

Correct answer:

Deter

Explanation:

"Daunt" and "deter" both mean to make fearful or hesitant. "Embolden" means to encourage or inspire. "Corrupt" means to pervert or pollute. "Enhance" means to improve or embellish. "Equivocate" means to avoid an issue

Example Question #2251 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

VEX

Possible Answers:

Agitate

Incite

Alleviate

Glean

Burgeon

Correct answer:

Agitate

Explanation:

"Vex" means to agitate or bother. "Alleviate" means to relieve or lessen. "Burgeon" means to bloom or multiply. "Glean" means to pick out or collect. "Incite" means to encourage or provoke.

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