ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, and Rarity

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #580 :Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

PATHETIC

Possible Answers:

Dull

Descriptive

Pitiful

Strategic

Bent

Correct answer:

Pitiful

Explanation:

The word “pathetic” meansso embarrassing that you make people feel bad for you, so "pitiful" is the correct answer, as it also meansmaking people feel bad for the person or thing described.

Example Question #581 :Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

TOXIC

Possible Answers:

Exhausting

Illegal

Medicinal

Honest

Poisonous

Correct answer:

Poisonous

Explanation:

Something that is “toxic” ispoisonousand would make you sick or kill you if you consumed it. The word “medicinal” is used to describesomething meant to help you feel better when you are sick.

Example Question #582 :Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

REMARKABLE

Possible Answers:

Amazing

Famous

Considerate

Questionable

Talkative

Correct answer:

Amazing

Explanation:

As foolish as it might seem, think of "remarkable" in a very literal sense (at least at first): Something about which remarks are made. It is "remark-able." We say that something is "remarkable" when it isout of the ordinary, when itstands out from the crowd. If something is just normal, we do not make many remarks about it. However, when something is extraordinary, we talk about it and discuss it. While it might seem that this would be synonymous with "fame," being remarkable really is about being extraordinary or amazing, and one does not necessarily need to be extraordinary or amazing to be famous. Therefore, "amazing" is the correct answer.

Example Question #583 :Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

EXCELLENT

Possible Answers:

Surprising

Perfect

Flawless

Superb

Original

Correct answer:

Superb

Explanation:

It is important not to "overdo" the meaning of your word. When we say that something is "excellent," we mean to say that it isvery good.This does not, however, mean that it is perfect. Therefore, you shouldnotchoose "perfect" or "flawless." Something that is "superb" is somethingexcellent. You should know this word from the clearly related word "super." They are quite similar in meaning.

Example Question #584 :Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

SOLEMN

Possible Answers:

Developed

Elderly

Aging

Legal

Serious

Correct answer:

Serious

Explanation:

The word "solemn" is used to describe something that isimportant and serious. For example, we can say, "The crowning of the Queen was a solemn ceremony, full of long speeches, many prayers, and having many important guests present." Thus, it means "serious" as inimportant. We use "serious" in this manner when we say things like, "It was a very serious surgery that would hopefully save his life if performed well."

Example Question #585 :Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

ASTOUNDING

Possible Answers:

Developed

Unusual

Surprising

Irregular

Alternating

Correct answer:

Surprising

Explanation:

When you "astound" someone, yousurprisethat person. An astounding fact is one that is surprising or marvelous. Now, you might think that "irregular" or "unusual" are potential correct options. Yes, irregular/uncommon things are surprising because of their irregularity; however, the words do not mean "astonishing." There are some irregular/uncommon things that are not astounding—like irregular drops of water and uncommon colors of t-shirts.

Example Question #586 :Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

MODERATE

Possible Answers:

理性的

Selfless

Reasonable

Disconnected

Agreeable

Correct answer:

Reasonable

Explanation:

The word "moderate," when used as an adjective, describes something that isnot extreme in its quality or nature. A moderate thing is neither too excellent nor too horrible. It is "in the middle." When we make moderate demands on someone, we make demands that are not too large nor too small. Thus, they are "reasonable" (in the sense that they are "understandable" because they are not too extreme). This is the only option that expresses this idea of beingin the middleandnot too extreme.

Example Question #587 :Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

ASTONISHING

Possible Answers:

Frequent

Intense

Illegal

Disgusting

Amazing

Correct answer:

Amazing

Explanation:

The verb "to astound" means "to amaze." When something is described as being "astonishing," it isamazing. Thus, we could say, "It was astonishing how quickly John made progress at learning to play the organ. In only two years, he was more skilled than most people who had taken twenty years of lessons."

Example Question #588 :Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

STUNNING

Possible Answers:

Famous

Amazing

Dangerous

Delightful

Disgusting

Correct answer:

Amazing

Explanation:

When we "stun" someone, westop him or her from acting. Sometimes, violent actions can do this. If someone punches another person very hard, that person can become stunned and unable to move; however, something that is very beautiful or amazing can also stun someone. You have likely heard something like, "The view of the mountains was stunning. Edward had to stop and stare at them." It is in this sense that the word is being used for this question. Thus, the best option is "amazing." Something that is "stunning" is sometimes (maybe often) amazing.

Example Question #589 :Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

SIMILAR

Possible Answers:

Agreeable

Combined

Equal

Identical

Alike

Correct answer:

Alike

Explanation:

When two things are "similar," they arevery much alike;however, they are notcompletelyalike. When two things are 100% alike, they are equal or, simply, "the same." The word "similar," however, refers to things that are alike without being exactly the same. For instance, two cups could be similar in shape, though they are each a little bit different. Likewise, two shirts might have similar colors, though they are not exactly the same as each other.

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