ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #654 : Synonyms

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

VACANT

Possible Answers:

Pitiful

Forgotten

Solitary

Emotionless

Alone

Correct answer:

Emotionless

Explanation:

The word “vacant” is related to the word “vacuum,” meaning “empty space.” Sometimes, you will hear an expression like “a vacant lot” to describe a piece of land that has nothing built on it (and perhaps is abandoned and unused). The word can also be applied to the expression that a person has. When someone shows a “vacant expression,” he or she has a “blank stare.” Often this implies that there is no emotion expressed at all.

Example Question #655 : Synonyms

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

JUBILANT

Possible Answers:

Morose

Surprised

Bewildered

Gleeful

Fuming

Correct answer:

Gleeful

Explanation:

"Jubilant" is an adjective defined as "feeling or expressing great happiness and triumph." While all of the answer choices describe moods or emotions, only "gleeful," an adjective that means "exuberantly or triumphantly joyful," is a synonym of "jubilant," so "gleeful" is the correct answer.

Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

MOROSE

Possible Answers:

Macabre

Lofty

Sulky

Tepid

Timid

Correct answer:

Sulky

Explanation:

“Morose” means in a bad mood and miserable, so "sulky" is the correct answer. “Lofty” means high-up or proud; “timid” means shy and quiet; “tepid” means lukewarm when describing temperature and unenthusiastic when describing responses; and "macabre" means morbid and grotesque.

Example Question #31 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

Answer the following sample question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.

QUEASY

Possible Answers:

uneasy

mundane

grotesque

reserved

weary

Correct answer:

uneasy

Explanation:

"Queasy" means uneasy or uncomfortable. "Grotesque" means ugly or misshapen. "Reserved" means quietly unsociable or restrained. "Mundane" means boring or day-to-day. "Weary" means tired or exhausted

Example Question #8 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

JOVIAL

Possible Answers:

Nuanced

Cheerful

Uncomfortable

Deft

Hollow

Correct answer:

Cheerful

Explanation:

“Jovial” means jolly, friendly and "cheerful." As for the other answer choices, “uncomfortable” means slightly painful or just removing or lacking all comfort; “hollow” means containing empty space on the inside; "nuanced" means full of subtle details; and “deft” means skillful.

Example Question #431 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DILAPIDATED

Possible Answers:

Rubbled

Bruised

Battered

Inexpensive

Ugly

Correct answer:

Battered

Explanation:

When something is dilapidated, it is run down. This does not mean that it is totally destroyed. Nevertheless, a dilapidated piece of property is in poor shape.  The word comes from roots that literally mean with stones fallen down. While such a piece of property might be inexpensive or ugly, this is not what "dilapidated" means.  "To be dilapidated" is to be in a state of disrepair or ruin. Thus, the best option is "battered." While this can be used to describe someone who has been physically injured, it also can be used to describe something that has been worn down by use or over-exposure to poor conditions. Thus, someone can have a "battered old car."

Example Question #33 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

IRATE

Possible Answers:

Enraged

Irritated

Angered

Vexed

Annoyed

Correct answer:

Enraged

Explanation:

For this question, you have to be very careful to match the synonym most closely. The options provided all are related to the word "irate." Note that "irate" means the state of being extremely angry. Thus, "enraged" is the best option among those provided for "irate."  All of the other ones are too weak for so strong an emotion.

Example Question #432 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PENSIVE

Possible Answers:

Annoyed

Distracted

Contemplative

Disturbed

Confused

Correct answer:

Contemplative

Explanation:

"Pensive" is an adjective meaning performing reflection or deep and serious thought. "Contemplative" is a similar adjective meaning engaged in the act of thinking as well. The words "annoyed," "disturbed," "distracted," and "confused" are all antithetical to "pensive."

Example Question #433 : Identifying Synonyms

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

JOCULAR

Possible Answers:

Blank

Annoying

Obvious

Playful

Beautiful

Correct answer:

Playful

Explanation:

"Jocular" is an adjective meaning exhibiting a joyous or jesting mood. "Playful" means wanting to play or be amused, and is a close synonym. "Annoying," "obvious," "blank," and "beautiful" are all adjectives unrelated to playfulness or joking.

Example Question #434 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PETULANT

Possible Answers:

Fastidious

Mendacious

Feckless

Peevish

Quiescent 

Correct answer:

Peevish

Explanation:

"Petulant" is an adjective meaning rude or bad tempered, often in a childish or immature way. "Peevish" means grumpy and has the same connotation of childishness, "feckless" means cowardly or incompetent, "fastidious" means careful and neat, "quiescent" means agreeable, and "mendacious" means lying.

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