Synonyms: Nouns - ISEE Middle Level Verbal Reasoning
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SPECULATION
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SPECULATION
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The word "speculation" has a rich, varied history and set of roots. It comes, in general, from the idea of looking at something. (Hence, even the word "spectacles" for eyeglasses is related to the word "speculation.") Now, the particular word "speculation" has taken on the meaning, to think or speak about something without having evidence. For instance, someone might speculate about the cause of a leak on the edge of his or her property. He or she might walk down to the bottom of the yard and see a little stream coming out of the ground. Since he or she really does not know why the leak is occurring, at best he or she can speculate on its cause. The word "speculate" has also taken on another, more particular meaning. It can indicate the kind of "guesswork" done when people invest in the stock market. Thus, such persons (especially when they are just guessing) are called "speculators"—because they don't have firm evidence for their guesses.
"Speculation" (even in the last sense mentioned above) is not immediately equivalent to "financial" or "fiscal." Such speculations are financial speculations; however speculation is not financial in and of itself.
Thus, the best option is "conjecture." This too is a very neat word. It comes from the prefix con-, which means with or together. The -ject portion is the same as found in "eject" and "reject." It means to throw. Thus, things that are "conjectured" are just thrown together.
The word "speculation" has a rich, varied history and set of roots. It comes, in general, from the idea of looking at something. (Hence, even the word "spectacles" for eyeglasses is related to the word "speculation.") Now, the particular word "speculation" has taken on the meaning, to think or speak about something without having evidence. For instance, someone might speculate about the cause of a leak on the edge of his or her property. He or she might walk down to the bottom of the yard and see a little stream coming out of the ground. Since he or she really does not know why the leak is occurring, at best he or she can speculate on its cause. The word "speculate" has also taken on another, more particular meaning. It can indicate the kind of "guesswork" done when people invest in the stock market. Thus, such persons (especially when they are just guessing) are called "speculators"—because they don't have firm evidence for their guesses.
"Speculation" (even in the last sense mentioned above) is not immediately equivalent to "financial" or "fiscal." Such speculations are financial speculations; however speculation is not financial in and of itself.
Thus, the best option is "conjecture." This too is a very neat word. It comes from the prefix con-, which means with or together. The -ject portion is the same as found in "eject" and "reject." It means to throw. Thus, things that are "conjectured" are just thrown together.
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COMMENDATION
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COMMENDATION
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The verb "to commend" means "to praise." Thus, a "commendation" is the actual praise that is received. For example, we might say that someone receives a commendation from the president of the United States for an important scientific breakthrough that will save many lives. Thus, the commendation is the actual praise that is given. It is a bit of an abstract word, for "praise" is not something that we can really touch or see. However, we do often talk like it is: "She received the praise with grace." Thus, someone could also say, "She received the commendation with grace and appreciation." Of the options given, only "recognition" is closest to this kind of praise. When we "recognize" someone, we often mean to call attention to that person and thus to praise him or her.
The verb "to commend" means "to praise." Thus, a "commendation" is the actual praise that is received. For example, we might say that someone receives a commendation from the president of the United States for an important scientific breakthrough that will save many lives. Thus, the commendation is the actual praise that is given. It is a bit of an abstract word, for "praise" is not something that we can really touch or see. However, we do often talk like it is: "She received the praise with grace." Thus, someone could also say, "She received the commendation with grace and appreciation." Of the options given, only "recognition" is closest to this kind of praise. When we "recognize" someone, we often mean to call attention to that person and thus to praise him or her.
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DEPRIVATION
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DEPRIVATION
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The word "deprivation" describes a particular state of being, namely that of being deprived. Now, "to be deprived" means to have something taken from oneself. For this reason, it is tempting to think that deprivation indicates something related to stealing or robbery. However, it really describes the state of having a lack as a result of any cause. For instance, "sleep deprivation" occurs when someone lacks sleep. Such sleep is unlikely to be described as being "stolen" (at least not literally). Thus, we can say that "deprivation" is a state of poverty—a state of lack. Poverty can refer not only to money but to any lack whatsoever, though we do usually use the word to indicate financial lack. Thus, the best option provided is "poverty."
The word "deprivation" describes a particular state of being, namely that of being deprived. Now, "to be deprived" means to have something taken from oneself. For this reason, it is tempting to think that deprivation indicates something related to stealing or robbery. However, it really describes the state of having a lack as a result of any cause. For instance, "sleep deprivation" occurs when someone lacks sleep. Such sleep is unlikely to be described as being "stolen" (at least not literally). Thus, we can say that "deprivation" is a state of poverty—a state of lack. Poverty can refer not only to money but to any lack whatsoever, though we do usually use the word to indicate financial lack. Thus, the best option provided is "poverty."
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SINGULARITY
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SINGULARITY
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Even when you do not know a word, knowing its parts can help a lot! The words "single" and "singular" are likely ones with which you are familiar. Something is "singular" when it is merely one (as opposed to many). A "single french fry" is only one little potato snack! "Singularity" indicates the state of being singular. It describes something that is unique, without another like it. Thus, "singularity" is a synonym for uniqueness. Do not, however, think that it is a synonym for unity. To be "united" is merely to be a single whole (as opposed to a disorganized heap). This does not mean that something is unique.
Even when you do not know a word, knowing its parts can help a lot! The words "single" and "singular" are likely ones with which you are familiar. Something is "singular" when it is merely one (as opposed to many). A "single french fry" is only one little potato snack! "Singularity" indicates the state of being singular. It describes something that is unique, without another like it. Thus, "singularity" is a synonym for uniqueness. Do not, however, think that it is a synonym for unity. To be "united" is merely to be a single whole (as opposed to a disorganized heap). This does not mean that something is unique.
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PREDICAMENT
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PREDICAMENT
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A "predicament" describes a difficult situation. For example: "We faced a PREDICAMENT after learning that we had more people than places at the table."
As a noun a "forecast" is a prediction. "Contrasting" is a verb describing the act of comparing the differences between two things. "Thorough" is an adjective describing something that is rigorous or complete.
A "predicament" describes a difficult situation. For example: "We faced a PREDICAMENT after learning that we had more people than places at the table."
As a noun a "forecast" is a prediction. "Contrasting" is a verb describing the act of comparing the differences between two things. "Thorough" is an adjective describing something that is rigorous or complete.
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ADVERSITY
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ADVERSITY
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"Adversity" is a noun describing hardship or difficulty. For example: "We all face ADVERSITY at some point in our lives, but it is how we respond that defines us."
None of the other answers are particularly related to "adversity."
"Adversity" is a noun describing hardship or difficulty. For example: "We all face ADVERSITY at some point in our lives, but it is how we respond that defines us."
None of the other answers are particularly related to "adversity."
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VALOR
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VALOR
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"Valor" is an abstract noun describing courage. For example: "The rescuer displayed an act of VALOR when he jumped in front of a moving vehicle to save the dog."
"Peace" is an abstract noun describing a state of calm or the absence of violence. "Bitterness" is an abstract noun used to describe the property of bad feelings or a specific taste sensation. A "utopia" is an idealized place or society.
"Valor" is an abstract noun describing courage. For example: "The rescuer displayed an act of VALOR when he jumped in front of a moving vehicle to save the dog."
"Peace" is an abstract noun describing a state of calm or the absence of violence. "Bitterness" is an abstract noun used to describe the property of bad feelings or a specific taste sensation. A "utopia" is an idealized place or society.
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RENOWN
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RENOWN
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A person of great "renown" is someone well-known for something. An actor or singer is "renowned" for their talent. This is the same thing as "fame." While "wealth" often accompanies "fame" or "renown," this is not always the case, it is very possible to be renowned without having any money at all, just ask any poet!
A person of great "renown" is someone well-known for something. An actor or singer is "renowned" for their talent. This is the same thing as "fame." While "wealth" often accompanies "fame" or "renown," this is not always the case, it is very possible to be renowned without having any money at all, just ask any poet!
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CONSUMERISM
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CONSUMERISM
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"Consumerism" is the belief that the abundant purchase of goods is an act of personal value. If you pay attention to both "abundance" and "excess" in the answer choices, you will notice that they are close in meaning to one another, and that they both describe what is often a consequence or result from consumerism, but are not directly synonymous with consumerism. The action that is best captured by the idea of consumerism is, however, consumption, the correct answer. The other options are not close in meaning to consumerism, so you may therefore eliminate them. This is a tricky question, since it might intially appear that there is more than one answer. By pairing words in answer choices (when two words in the answers are very similar to each other), you may come closer to elminating them as well.
"Consumerism" is the belief that the abundant purchase of goods is an act of personal value. If you pay attention to both "abundance" and "excess" in the answer choices, you will notice that they are close in meaning to one another, and that they both describe what is often a consequence or result from consumerism, but are not directly synonymous with consumerism. The action that is best captured by the idea of consumerism is, however, consumption, the correct answer. The other options are not close in meaning to consumerism, so you may therefore eliminate them. This is a tricky question, since it might intially appear that there is more than one answer. By pairing words in answer choices (when two words in the answers are very similar to each other), you may come closer to elminating them as well.
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KNACK
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KNACK
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A "knack" is a special talent someone has for something. To provide further help, "likeness" means similarity; "duty" means responsibility; "mean" means average; "passion" means strong emotion.
A "knack" is a special talent someone has for something. To provide further help, "likeness" means similarity; "duty" means responsibility; "mean" means average; "passion" means strong emotion.
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DEFECT
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DEFECT
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The word "defect," when used as a noun, means an imperfection, a flaw. When used as a verb "defect" means to leave an organization, to join the other side. To provide further help, a "pacifist" is someone who does not believe in using violence; a "belligerent" is a competitor, an aggressor; a "culprit" is a guilty party , the person who is responsible for the crime; an "underdog" is the person who is expected to lose, not the favorite.
The word "defect," when used as a noun, means an imperfection, a flaw. When used as a verb "defect" means to leave an organization, to join the other side. To provide further help, a "pacifist" is someone who does not believe in using violence; a "belligerent" is a competitor, an aggressor; a "culprit" is a guilty party , the person who is responsible for the crime; an "underdog" is the person who is expected to lose, not the favorite.
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GUSTO
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GUSTO
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"Gusto" means enthusiasm. To do something "with gusto" means to do something with energy and enthusiasm. To provide further help, "lethargy" means lack of energy; "apathy" means not caring, lack of interest; "veracity" means truthfulness, honesty.
"Gusto" means enthusiasm. To do something "with gusto" means to do something with energy and enthusiasm. To provide further help, "lethargy" means lack of energy; "apathy" means not caring, lack of interest; "veracity" means truthfulness, honesty.
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PROPHECY
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PROPHECY
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A "prophecy" is a prediction. To provide further help, an "antidote" is a solution to a poison, a cure.
A "prophecy" is a prediction. To provide further help, an "antidote" is a solution to a poison, a cure.
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COMPOSURE
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COMPOSURE
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"Composure" is the feeling of calmness and self-control. To provide further help, "irate" means very angry; "tepid" means lukewarm, neither hot nor cold; "haughty" means brash, vain and arrogant; "mordant" means scathing, sarcastic and bitter.
"Composure" is the feeling of calmness and self-control. To provide further help, "irate" means very angry; "tepid" means lukewarm, neither hot nor cold; "haughty" means brash, vain and arrogant; "mordant" means scathing, sarcastic and bitter.
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ANXIETY
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ANXIETY
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"Anxiety" is a feeling of concern or fear about the future. To provide further help, "envy" is jealousy, wanting what someone else has; "dread" means deep fear. Although "dread" is a somewhat accurate answer, it is more intense in meaning that "concern."
"Anxiety" is a feeling of concern or fear about the future. To provide further help, "envy" is jealousy, wanting what someone else has; "dread" means deep fear. Although "dread" is a somewhat accurate answer, it is more intense in meaning that "concern."
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PANDEMONIUM
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PANDEMONIUM
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"Pandemonium" means a state of noisy and chaotic turmoil, chaos, mayhem, bedlam. To provide further help, "antithesis" means complete opposite of; the "cosmos" is another name for the universe; "passion" is emotion, usually strong emotion; "rhetoric" is the art of speaking, the style of oration.
"Pandemonium" means a state of noisy and chaotic turmoil, chaos, mayhem, bedlam. To provide further help, "antithesis" means complete opposite of; the "cosmos" is another name for the universe; "passion" is emotion, usually strong emotion; "rhetoric" is the art of speaking, the style of oration.
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DIVERSITY
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DIVERSITY
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"Diversity" is variety, the quality of being varied and having many different types of something. To provide further help, "amnesty" is forgiveness, a pardon for a crime; a "gratuity" is a tip, money left for the waiter at a restaurant; "enmity" is the state of being opposed to something, hostility, discord; "complicity" means the state of being associated with, or partly responsible for, a wrongdoing.
"Diversity" is variety, the quality of being varied and having many different types of something. To provide further help, "amnesty" is forgiveness, a pardon for a crime; a "gratuity" is a tip, money left for the waiter at a restaurant; "enmity" is the state of being opposed to something, hostility, discord; "complicity" means the state of being associated with, or partly responsible for, a wrongdoing.
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INSIGHT
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INSIGHT
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"Insight" means the ability to understand something deeply or in a manner that is not common. This is closest in definition to "awareness." To provide further help, "remedial" means intended to provide assistance to someone struggling; "residual" means remaining, left over; "ignorance" is the absence of knowledge, a lack of understanding.
"Insight" means the ability to understand something deeply or in a manner that is not common. This is closest in definition to "awareness." To provide further help, "remedial" means intended to provide assistance to someone struggling; "residual" means remaining, left over; "ignorance" is the absence of knowledge, a lack of understanding.
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MIRAGE
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MIRAGE
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A "mirage" is an optical illusion, something that appears to be real but is in fact imagined. To provide further help, a "boundary" is something that divides two or more things; "purpose" is reason for doing something; "debt" is money owed; an "apex" is a high point.
A "mirage" is an optical illusion, something that appears to be real but is in fact imagined. To provide further help, a "boundary" is something that divides two or more things; "purpose" is reason for doing something; "debt" is money owed; an "apex" is a high point.
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LIKENESS
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LIKENESS
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"Likeness" means the quality of being like something else, similarity, resemblance. To provide further help, "awe" is a feeling of being very impressed and amazed; "brutality" is cruelty, savagery, intense violence; "tolerance" is patience and acceptance, being understanding of differences; "maturity" is the quality of being an adult and acting like an adult.
"Likeness" means the quality of being like something else, similarity, resemblance. To provide further help, "awe" is a feeling of being very impressed and amazed; "brutality" is cruelty, savagery, intense violence; "tolerance" is patience and acceptance, being understanding of differences; "maturity" is the quality of being an adult and acting like an adult.
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