ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #944 : Synonyms

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

MUTUAL

Possible Answers:

Common

Expository

Studious

Partisan

Delightful

Correct answer:

Common

Explanation:

When something is "mutual" it is held by multiple people. For example, three people could have a "mutual hatred" for corn on the cob. This hatred is common to each of the members of the group. We also speak of a "mutual enemy". This very clearly means "common enemy." Thus, "common" is the most obvious choice for this question.

Example Question #945 : Synonyms

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

EXTENSIVE

Possible Answers:

Plaintive

Pensive

Expensive

Urbane

Exhaustive

Correct answer:

Exhaustive

Explanation:

The adjective "extensive" describes something that covers a large area—whether literally or metaphorically. An extensive plot of land is a very large plot of land. An extensive collection of books "covers" many topics and authors. Extensive knowledge "covers" many topics. (You can think of it meaning that each of these "extends" over a large area.) Now, this does not mean that something that is "extensive" completely covers its given "area;" however, it can seem close to being complete. The word "exhaustive" means comprehensive. At least among the options provided here, this is by far the best.

Example Question #946 : Synonyms

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

FRAGILE

Possible Answers:

Delicate

Fractured

Cheap

Glassy

Shattered

Correct answer:

Delicate

Explanation:

The word "fragile" means weak or easily broken. Now, most of your options are likely tempting, for they remind you of glass, which is easily broken, but the only option that directly indicates a kind of fragility or weakness is "delicate." When something is "delicate," it is not very strong. Sometimes, we speak of "delicate health" in someone who is sickly. We can also speak of a "delicate situation," meaning that the situation could fall apart easily.

Example Question #947 : Synonyms

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

TAINTED

Possible Answers:

Intoxicated

Murderous

Poisoned

Mixed

Polluted

Correct answer:

Polluted

Explanation:

When something is tainted, it loses its purity. For instance, a water supply can be tainted by having small amounts of paint poured into as well as small amounts of soda. In both cases, the water supply loses its purity. Tainting does not have to do with poison necessarily, so be careful not to choose an answer based on this. Instead, the best option is "polluted," which can apply to any kind of the actions mentioned above as examples of tainting.

Example Question #948 : Synonyms

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

SUPERFLUOUS

Possible Answers:

Unnecessary

Overwhelming

Outrageous

Tedious

Exorbitant

Correct answer:

Unnecessary

Explanation:

The word "superfluous" comes from Latin roots that literally mean overflowing. (The "super-" prefix means "over or above" and "-fluous" clearly means "flowing.") When something is "superfluous," it is excessive or beyond one's current needs. While such things could be "overwhelming" or even outragous / exorbitant, they are always unnecessary. Thus, this simple word is the best option for this question!

Example Question #2661 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

EXTEMPORANEOUS

Possible Answers:

Forestalled

Remedied

Supplanted

Partitioned

Improvised

Correct answer:

Improvised

Explanation:

"Extemporaneous" means done without preparation, improvised. To provide further help, "partitioned" means divided, split into multiple regions; "forestalled" means delayed; "supplanted" means replaced; "remedied" means fixed

Example Question #2662 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

POTABLE

Possible Answers:

Ignorant

Drinkable

Educated

Fecund

Edible

Correct answer:

Drinkable

Explanation:

"Potable" means drinkable, able to be safely drunk. The suffix -able often means able to be. To provide further help, "fecund" means abundant, full of life, fertile; "edible" means able to be eaten

Example Question #2663 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

TITANIC

Possible Answers:

Recent

Ancient

Large

Lost

Uneven

Correct answer:

Large

Explanation:

"Titanic" means very large. Think of the famous ship the Titanic, it was known for two qualities -being supposedly unsinkable and being very, very large. The word "titanic" means extremely big

Example Question #351 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

ESOTERIC

Possible Answers:

Arcane

Monotone

Celestial

Truculent

Protracted

Correct answer:

Arcane

Explanation:

"Esoteric" means known by only a few, arcane. It is generally used to describe knowledge, so "esoteric knowledge" means arcane knowledge, known only by a select few. To provide further help, "monotone" means boring; "celestial" means divine, heavenly; "truculent" means aggressive; "protracted" means drawn out, taking a long time

Example Question #352 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

EXIGUOUS

Possible Answers:

Meager

Ample

Cogent

Garrulous

Sufficient

Correct answer:

Meager

Explanation:

"Exiguous" means a very small amount, meager, scant. To provide further help, "ample" means more than enough; "sufficient" means enough, good enough; "garrulous" means talkative; "cogent" means a well-made, clear argument

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors