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 #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, And Rarity

A synonym of "singular" is __________.

Possible Answers:

light

everyday

plural

expected

peculiar

Correct answer:

peculiar

Explanation:

"Singular" is an adjective that can mean "exceptionally good or great; remarkable," or "strange and eccentric in some respect." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "remarkable" or "eccentric." Neither "expected" nor "everyday" can be the correct answer, then, because each of these answer choices is an antonym of "eccentric." "Peculiar," however, is an adjective that means "strange or odd; unusual," and because it is the answer choice that is closest in meaning to "singular," "peculiar" is the correct answer.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, And Rarity

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

MAGNIFICENT

Possible Answers:

Splendid

Wander

Frank

Austere

Correct answer:

Splendid

Explanation:

"Magnificent" means exceptional in appearance or amazing. "Splendid" is the best choice because it also means exceptional in appearance. Considering the other choices, "austere" means strict or serious, "wander" means walk without a definite purpose, and "frank" means direct and unreserved in speech.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, And Rarity

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

PATHETIC

Possible Answers:

suspicious

useless

useful

despondent

hopeful

Correct answer:

useless

Explanation:

Pathetic means good for nothing, useless. To further help you, despondent means very sad and without hope; suspicious means showing doubt, acting sneaky.

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, And Rarity

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

DANDY

Possible Answers:

Terrific

Tasteful

Useful

Normal

Correct answer:

Terrific

Explanation:

One of the meanings of "dandy" is excellent. The best choice is "terrific" because it is a synonym of "excellent."

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, And Rarity

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

SUPERB

Possible Answers:

Average

Mediocre

Excellent 

Poor

Outrageous 

Correct answer:

Excellent 

Explanation:

“Superb” means excellent or close to perfect, so "excellent" is the correct answer. To provide further help, “mediocre” means average when higher quality was expected, and “outrageous” means disgraceful and shocking.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, And Rarity

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

PERFECT

Possible Answers:

Functional

Messy

Restless

Ideal

Correct answer:

Ideal

Explanation:

"Perfect" is an adjective that means as good as possible or lacking any imperfections. So, the answer choice closest in meaning to "perfect" is "ideal," an adjective that means most suitable or perfect. None of the other answers are close in meaning to "perfect": "messy" means dirty; "restless" means unable to relax; and "functional" means existing for a specific purpose.

Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, And Rarity

Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

GHASTLY

Possible Answers:

Mangle

Whimsical 

Surprising 

Iconic 

Horrible

Correct answer:

Horrible

Explanation:

“Ghastly” means horrific, horrible, and abhorrent. To provide further help, “mangle” means to crush or twist out of shape; “surprising” means not expected; “iconic” means characterize by fame and admiration; “whimsical” means quirky and silly.

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, And Rarity

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

EXTRAORDINARY

Possible Answers:

Deplorable 

Insignificant 

Incredible 

Susceptible 

Laudable 

Correct answer:

Incredible 

Explanation:

The prefix "extra-" means beyond or greater than, so “extraordinary” means beyond ordinary or incredible, so "incredible" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "extraordinary": “insignificant” means not significant or not important; “deplorable” means deserving of hatred; “laudable” means worthy of praise; and “susceptible” means vulnerable to something specific.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, And Rarity

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

SUPERB

Possible Answers:

Excellent

Acceptable

Desultory

Good

Surprising

Correct answer:

Excellent

Explanation:

We all know the word "superb" because of its association with "super." Something is called "super" when it is a great specimen of that type. A "super hot room" is a room that is very hot. When something is "superb," it is excellent—very able to be praised. While it might be "good" or "acceptable," it is best to choose an answer that expresses the very good character of something that is superb. Likewise, something superb is likely to be suprising (because of how good it is). Still, to be "superb" primarily means to be "excellent" or "very good." Therefore, "excellent" is the best option.

Example Question #9 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, And Rarity

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

MAKESHIFT

Possible Answers:

cumulative

ancient

temporary

durable

extravagant

Correct answer:

temporary

Explanation:

"Makeshift" is defined as serving as a temporary substitute; acceptable for the time being.

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