ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

FORBEARING

Possible Answers:

intrepid

stolid

impotent

tolerant

garish

Correct answer:

tolerant

Explanation:

"Forbearing" and "tolerant" both mean forgiving or moderate. "Impotent" means disabled or unable to perform an action. "Garish" means flashy or tasteless. "Intrepid" means brave or nervy. "Stolid" means apathetic or stupid

Example Question #451 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

GARRULOUS

Possible Answers:

Considerate

Bizarre

Pleasurable

Imminent

Talkative

Correct answer:

Talkative

Explanation:

"Garrulous" means talkative, so "talkative" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "garrulous": "bizarre" means strange or very odd "Cocnsiderate" means thoughtful or considering the feelings and thoughts of other people; "pleasurable" means giving one pleasure; and "imminent" means impending or close to occurring.

Example Question #33 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DOUR

Possible Answers:

impartial

dilapidated

banal

ecstatic

grim

Correct answer:

grim

Explanation:

"Dour" is an adjective that refers to someone's manner or appearance and has a few different meanings, including gloomy and austere. While "dilapidated" sounds like it might be a good answer choice, it means in poor condition due to having been neglected over time—not quite what we're looking for. "Grim," on the other hand, can mean somber or gloomy and is the closest in meaning to "dour," so it is the best answer choice.

Example Question #34 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PRUDENT

Possible Answers:

sly

critical

judgmental

judicious

deceptive

Correct answer:

judicious

Explanation:

The word “prudent” has perhaps received a bad sense in its standard usage by most English-speakers. One will at times speak of “prudent” people who know how to work things to their gain. For instance, someone might be called “prudent” for keeping silent about opinions instead of insulting someone who might give him or her a job; however, the word “prudent” is of much nobler origins, meaning discerning or even wise in practical action. For this reason, among the options provided, the best option is “judicious,” meaning judging well. This meaning will cover the more negative uses but likewise applies to the nobler notions of “prudence.”

Example Question #452 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CAPRICIOUS

Possible Answers:

Ephemeral

Dreary

Insolent

Fickle

Reverent

Correct answer:

Fickle

Explanation:

"Capricious" means changing one's mood in a fickle, unpredictable manner, so the answer choice that is its best synonym is "fickle," or changing frequently.

Example Question #453 : Identifying Synonyms

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

JUDICIOUS

Possible Answers:

Tribunal

Illicit

Prudent

Rhetorical

Legal

Correct answer:

Prudent

Explanation:

The word “judicious” is related to “judgment,” but do not let that lead you to the law-related words like “legal,” “illicit,” and “tribunal.” When someone is “judicious,” he or she has and exercises “good judgment.” Such a person could be called “prudent,” meaning he or she is wise in a practical manner.

Example Question #454 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CAPRICIOUS

Possible Answers:

Amusing

Planned

Impulsive

Predictable

Condescending

Correct answer:

Impulsive

Explanation:

"Capricious" means unpredictable, so both planned and predictable are incorrect, because they are antonyms for capricious. "Condescending" means to lower in position, and "amusing" involves humor, so the best answer choice is "impulsive."

Example Question #74 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

OSTENTATIOUS

Possible Answers:

Pejorative

Pedantic

Conspicuous

Mellifluous

Resolute

Correct answer:

Conspicuous

Explanation:

"Ostentatious" means conspicuous, flashy, or showy. "Mellifluous" means smooth and sweet-sounding. "Pedantic" means overly-precise or bookish. "Pejorative" means negative or belittling. "Resolute" means determined or strong-willed.

Example Question #455 : Identifying Synonyms

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

QUIXOTIC

Possible Answers:

Literary

Idealistic

Potential

Humorous

Quotidian

Correct answer:

Idealistic

Explanation:

"Quixotic" is an adjective that means "exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical" and derives from Cervantes's literary character Don Quixote. While "quotidian" may look like a potentially correct answer choice simply because both "quixotic" and "quotidian" begin with "q," "quotidian" means "of or occurring every day," so it cannot be the correct answer. "Idealistic," which means "characterized by idealism; unrealistically aiming for perfection," is the best answer choice because it is closest in meaning to "quixotic."

Example Question #456 : Identifying Synonyms

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

PLACID

Possible Answers:

Levelheaded

Compliant

Harried

Jovial

Complaining

Correct answer:

Levelheaded

Explanation:

"Placid" is an adjective meaning either "not easily upset or excited" when used to describe a person or animal and "calm and peaceful, with little movement or activity" when describing a place or stretch of water. "Levelheaded," an adjective that means "calm and sensible," is the answer choice closest in meaning to "placid," so it is the correct answer.

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