ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #441 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CRESTFALLEN

Possible Answers:

Miserly

Ebullient

Dejected

Lifeless

Ruffled

Correct answer:

Dejected

Explanation:

"Crestfallen" means dejected, feeling sad, disappointed and hopeless. To provide further help, "lifeless" means without life; "miserly" means stingy, not inclined to spend money; "ebullient" means enthusiastic; "ruffled" means disturbed

Example Question #442 : Identifying Synonyms

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

ENERVATING

Possible Answers:

Brandishing

Demoralizing

Tiring

Placating

Invigorating

Correct answer:

Tiring

Explanation:

"Enervating" means tiring, causing one to feel drained of energy. It is opposite in meaning to "invigorating" which means energizing. To provide further help, to "brandish" means to flourish or wave around; "demoralizing" means taking away morale, making one feel less enthusiastic; "placating" means soothing, comforting

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

VULNERABLE

Possible Answers:

veteran

painstaking

morose

susceptible

Correct answer:

susceptible

Explanation:

Vulnerable means susceptible to physical or emotional harm.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

RETICENT

Possible Answers:

entertaining

medical

quick

reserved

Correct answer:

reserved

Explanation:

Reticent means not readily revealing thoughts or feelings, or reserved.

Example Question #443 : Identifying Synonyms

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

URBANE

Possible Answers:

resolute

urgent

cultured

succinct

metropolitan

Correct answer:

cultured

Explanation:

"Urbane" means cultured or civilized. "Metropolitan" means urban or concerning a city. "Urgent" means needing immediate attention. "Resolute" means determined or strong-willed. "Succinct" means short and to the point.

Example Question #444 : Identifying Synonyms

Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.

AFFABLE

Possible Answers:

wealthy

genial

comical

untrue

Correct answer:

genial

Explanation:

Someone who is "affable" is easy to talk with and pleasant to be around. "Genial" best conveys this sense (a likable pageant contestant might be named "Miss Congeniality"—a related word).

Example Question #445 : Identifying Synonyms

Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.

CAPRICIOUS

Possible Answers:

generous

superstitious

erratic

captivating

Correct answer:

erratic

Explanation:

Derived from an old Italian word that described one's hair standing on end in horror, "capricious" means subject to sudden, unpredictable changes (a prospect that might terrify someone who desires a more-predictable life). This is best expressed by the adjective "erratic." Do not confuse "capricious" with "propitious" (favorable).

Example Question #446 : Identifying Synonyms

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

BENIGN

Possible Answers:

stygian

unkempt

injurious

malignant

benevolent

Correct answer:

benevolent

Explanation:

"Benign" and "benevolent" both mean kindly or favorable. "Unkempt" means shabby or sloppy. "Injurious" means hurtful or destructive. "Malignant" means diseased or cancerous. "Stygian" means dark or shadowy.

Example Question #447 : Identifying Synonyms

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

WILLFUL

Possible Answers:

arboreal

obstinate

nonplussed

noisome

abysmal

Correct answer:

obstinate

Explanation:

"Willful" and "obstinate" both mean stubborn or headstrong. "Abysmal" means to a great extent or immeasurable. "Noisome" means immoral, bad, or offensive. "Arboreal" means pertaining to trees. "Nonplussed" means confused.

Example Question #448 : Identifying Synonyms

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

QUIXOTIC

Possible Answers:

pragmatic

cynical

idealistic

cogent

demure

Correct answer:

idealistic

Explanation:

"Quixotic" and "idealistic" both mean foolishly dreamy. "Cynical" means nonbelieving or doubtful. "Pragmatic" means sensible or efficient. "Demure" means reserved or affected. "Cogent" means effective or compelling

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