ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #401 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ALLURING

Possible Answers:

Deliberate

Unstable

Cute

Responsible

Concerning

Correct answer:

Cute

Explanation:

"Alluring" is an adjective that means beautiful or attractive. The best choice is "cute," since it means attractive. Considering the other choices, "concerning" means causing worry, "unstable" means constantly changing states of being, "responsible" means able to be relied upon to complete tasks, and "deliberate" means done on purpose or working carefully.

Example Question #402 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SERENDIPITOUS

Possible Answers:

Decadent

Preordained

Ordained

Demonstrative

Coincidental

Correct answer:

Coincidental

Explanation:

“Serendipitous” means occurring by convenient chance, or "coincidental." As for the other answer choices, “ordained” means having been officially made a member of the clergy, or ordered and decreed; “preordained” means decided beforehand or predestined; “decadent” means degenerate and corrupt or very luxurious; and “demonstrative” means serving to show that something is true or tending to show emotions without reserve.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

FORLORN

Possible Answers:

Ecstatic

Miserable

Arrogant

Informed

Significant

Correct answer:

Miserable

Explanation:

"Forlorn" means miserable or sad. "Ecstatic" is the antonym; it means extremely happy. "Arrogant" means conceited or full of oneself. "Informed" means having knowledge or information regarding a topic. "Significant" means important or noteworthy.

Example Question #403 : Identifying Synonyms

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

SENSATIONAL

Possible Answers:

Apparent

Condemned

Visible

Available

Astonishing

Correct answer:

Astonishing

Explanation:

The word “sensational” does not mean merely able to be seen or something related to being sensed. Instead, it means astonishing and often shocking. When used in the latter sense, it has the connotation of causing scandal or moral judgment. The use of the word for “astonishing” can be seen in a sentence like, “The circus performance was sensational—filled with dangerous lions, fiery pits, and an eight-hundred-foot-long snake.” In the latter sense, one could say, “The crime was so sensational that its details filled the newspaper for three months.”

Example Question #404 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ACRIMONIOUS

Possible Answers:

Relative

Monotonous

Well-spoken

Delightful

Caustic

Correct answer:

Caustic

Explanation:

"Acrimonious" is an adjective that means "angry and bitter" and is used in particular of speech or a debate. So, we need to pick out an adjective that means something like "bitter" and refers to speech. While "well-spoken" might refer to speech, it does not mean "angry and bitter," so it cannot be the correct answer. "Caustic," however, is an adjective that can mean "able to burn or corrode organic tissue by chemical action" or "sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way." Because the second definition of "caustic" is similar to the meaning of "acrimonious," "caustic" is the correct answer.

Example Question #2341 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

PLACID

Possible Answers:

Calm

Turbulent

Troubled

Sociable

Cheerful

Correct answer:

Calm

Explanation:

For something to be described as placid, it means it is calm and tranquil.  For example, someone with a placid disposition is calm and peaceful in nature.

Example Question #2342 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

DEMURE

Possible Answers:

Shy

Mean

Brazen

Qualified

Proud

Correct answer:

Shy

Explanation:

"Demure" is an adjective that means "of a woman or her behavior: reserved, modest, and shy" or "of clothing: lending such an appearance." So, neither "brazen" nor "proud" can be the correct answer because each of those words are an antonym of "demure." Because "shy" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "demure," it is the correct answer.

Example Question #405 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ARDENT

Possible Answers:

Covetous

Antagonistic

Melodramatic

Ablaze

Passionate

Correct answer:

Passionate

Explanation:

An ardent statement means that is passionate and very enthusiastic.

Example Question #406 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PETULANT

Possible Answers:

Florid

Guileless

Extravagant

Sullen

Esoteric

Correct answer:

Sullen

Explanation:

"Petulant" and "sullen" both mean crabby or moody. "Guileless" means honest or forthright. "Florid" means very elaborate or decorative. "Extravagant" means indulgent or wasteful. "Esoteric" means mysterious or obscure

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

FERVENT

Possible Answers:

Intermittent

Dispassionate

Ardent

Apathetic

Virulent

Correct answer:

Ardent

Explanation:

"Fervent" and "ardent" both mean devout or passionate. "Apathetic" means uncaring or disinterested. "Dispassionate" means unfeeling or impartial. "Intermittent" means irregular or sporadic. "Virulent" means poisonous or lethal

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