All ISEE Lower Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #217 : Synonyms: Adjectives
A synonym of "singular" is __________.
expected
plural
peculiar
everyday
light
peculiar
"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 #1 : 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
Austere
Wander
Splendid
Frank
Splendid
"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 #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, And Rarity
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
PATHETIC
useless
useful
suspicious
despondent
hopeful
useless
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
Useful
Terrific
Tasteful
Normal
Terrific
One of the meanings of "dandy" is excellent. The best choice is "terrific" because it is a synonym of "excellent."
Example Question #1 : 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
Excellent
Average
Outrageous
Mediocre
Poor
Excellent
“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 #2 : 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
Ideal
Functional
Messy
Restless
Ideal
"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 #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Quality, Value, And Rarity
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
GHASTLY
Mangle
Whimsical
Iconic
Horrible
Surprising
Horrible
“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 #3 : 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
Laudable
Insignificant
Susceptible
Deplorable
Incredible
Incredible
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
Surprising
Acceptable
Good
Desultory
Excellent
Excellent
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 #224 : Synonyms: Adjectives
Select the word that has most nearly the same meaning as the word in capital letters.
MAKESHIFT
extravagant
ancient
cumulative
temporary
durable
temporary
"Makeshift" is defined as serving as a temporary substitute; acceptable for the time being.
All ISEE Lower Level Verbal Resources
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