ISEE Upper Level Verbal Reasoning

ISEE Upper Level Verbal Reasoning focuses on enhancing students' verbal skills through critical reading and vocabulary exercises.

SynonymsSentence CompletionContext Clues
Nuanced Word MeaningsAnalogiesMultiple-Meaning Words
Building a Strong VocabularyReading CriticallyCommunicating Clearly
Process of EliminationTime ManagementReading for Clues
SynonymsSentence CompletionContext CluesNuanced Word Meaning...AnalogiesMultiple-Meaning Wor...Building a Strong Vo...Reading CriticallyCommunicating Clearl...Process of Eliminati...Time ManagementReading for Clues
Basic Concepts

Synonyms

Understanding Synonyms

Synonyms are words that have the same or very similar meanings. On the ISEE Upper Level Verbal Reasoning section, you'll be asked to select the synonym of a word from a list of choices. This tests your vocabulary and your ability to recognize subtle differences between words.

Tips for Tackling Synonym Questions

  • Look for context clues or word roots you know.
  • If you don’t know the word, try to eliminate choices that are clearly not related.
  • Pay attention to secondary meanings—sometimes a word has more than one!

Why Synonyms Matter

Knowing synonyms strengthens your vocabulary, helps you understand reading passages, and allows you to express yourself more clearly in writing.

Real-World Application

Using the right synonym can help you sound more precise in essays, emails, and conversations.

Examples

  • Happy: joyful, delighted, cheerful

  • Large: big, enormous, gigantic

In a Nutshell

Synonyms are words that mean the same or nearly the same thing.

Key Terms

Synonym
A word that means the same or nearly the same as another word.
Vocabulary
The set of words known and used by a person.
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Sentence Completion