ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #56 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

AFFLUENT

Possible Answers:

Prosperous

Arrogant

Mobile

Direct

Sober

Correct answer:

Prosperous

Explanation:

The word "affluent" does have roots that mean to flow. While this meaning was once upon a time reflected in the word, it no longer is used in this manner. Instead, the word means wealthy—as though someone is "flowing" with money. Thus, the only option that is appropriate is "prosperous."  (Note that "mobile" is not the same as flowing. A walking person is mobile—yet is not flowing, strictly speaking.)

Example Question #231 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

OPULENT

Possible Answers:

Sophisticated

Cultured

Important

Lavish

Urbane

Correct answer:

Lavish

Explanation:

Something that is "opulent" is very expensive, to the point of being showy. Thus, the word "lavish" is the only option that matches this meaning. Note, however, that "opulent" can be used as an adjective that means wealthy more generally as well.

Example Question #232 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

IMPASSIONED

Possible Answers:

Loving

Ardent

Devoted

Loyal

Foolish

Correct answer:

Ardent

Explanation:

As probably is obvious to you, the word "impassioned" is related to "passion," but this does not necessarily indicate being in love or anything of that sort. It merely can mean being moved greatly. Think of a "passionate attitude." This describes someone who experiences a great amount of emotional attachment to something. To say, "Paul is passionate about politics," is to say, "He really is devoted to and excited about political matters." Thus, the best synonym for "impassioned" is "ardent", which means enthusiastic. It actually comes from Latin roots meaning to burn. (A passionate person burns with enthusiasm, so to speak.)

Example Question #233 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

INFIRMITY

Possible Answers:

Vigor

Elasticity

Senility

Flexibility

Malady

Correct answer:

Malady

Explanation:

Someone who is "infirm" is weak or sick. This has nothing to do with rigidity (as though it were like a "firm mattress"). Several options—elasticity and flexibility—attempt to have you misread the word in this manner. We often speak of the elderly as being "infirm" because of their weakness; however, "infirmity" is not the same as senility. The only option that is correct, therefore, is "malady". Inasmuch as an infirmity can be a sickness (in addition to a more general weakness), it is synonymous to "malady", which means disease.

Example Question #234 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DRASTIC

Possible Answers:

Thrilling

Radical

Depressing

Infirm

Wonderful

Correct answer:

Radical

Explanation:

Something that is "drastic" is extreme and often surprising. A drastic reduction in work output means that the amount of work being done has reduced significantly. The word "radical" comes from Latin roots meaning, to the root. A radical change is one that alters something significantly. This is the best option among those provided. Do not be tricked into "thrilling." A drastic event might be exciting or thrilling; however, this is not the direct meaning of "drastic."

Example Question #61 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

LATENT

Possible Answers:

Drastic

Amazing

Magical

Mystical

Dormant

Correct answer:

Dormant

Explanation:

The word "latent" comes from roots meaning hidden. A "latent" ability is one that is unknown and hidden to the one who possesses it. When something is "dormant" it is hidden in this way as well. The word "dormant" comes from the Latin for to sleep. It is as if something that is "dormant" is hidden because it is sleeping. (Think of a "dormant volcano," meaning one that is not active. Its power is hidden, so to speak.)

Example Question #62 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

CULPABLE

Possible Answers:

Condemned

Fundamental

Imprisoned

Responsible

Inert

Correct answer:

Responsible

Explanation:

The word "culpable" comes from the Latin "culpa," meaning guilt. A culpable person is a guilty person. Thus, the best answer is "responsible." This is meant in the sense of saying that someone is guilty, as when we say, "He was responsible for the crime." Now, "condemned" and "imprisoned" may be tempting, but culpability is first and foremost about guilt. Whether or not it causes condemnation or imprisonment is secondary. Culpability is a matter of inherent responsibility, not the results of the action for which the person is responsible.

Example Question #63 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

HEINOUS

Possible Answers:

Atrocious

Terrifying

Fearful

Illegal

Criminal

Correct answer:

Atrocious

Explanation:

For this question, you need to be very exact when considering potential options. Often, we hear the word "heinous" used to describe a crime. This means that the given crime is extremely wicked or horrible. Among the options provided here, only "atrocious" is an appropriate synonym. Many "heinous" things are "illegal," "criminal," and "terrifying;" however the word first and foremost describes something that is extremely terrible and immoral.

Example Question #64 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

LUDICROUS

Possible Answers:

Infantile

Engaging

Preposterous

Immature

Illogical

Correct answer:

Preposterous

Explanation:

Something that is "ludicrous" is ridiculous, amusing, and utterly foolish. While such things could be considered illogical, the word "illogical" does not exactly capture the ridiculousness expressed by the word "ludicrous." Thus, among the options provided, the only one that is appropriate is "preposterous," which means completely insane or crazy.

Example Question #65 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives

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

LAMENTABLE

Possible Answers:

Crying

Redundant

Wretched

Harmful

Pernicious

Correct answer:

Wretched

Explanation:

To "lament" something means to express sorrow or grief over that thing. Something that is "lamentable" is something that causes grief or sorrow for an understandable reason. Now, while it may cause sorrow, the primary meaning of a lamentable event or thing is horrible or extremely bad. Because it is so bad, it causes grief, but "lamentable" first and foremost indicates such a terrible situation. Thus, the best option among those given is "wretched", meaning horrible.

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