ISEE Lower Level Vocabulary — Words to Know, with Examples

How the Lower Level tests vocabulary

Vocabulary on the ISEE is tested in the Verbal Reasoning section: 34 four-option questions in 20 minutes at the Lower Level. Two question types share the section. Synonym questions give one word and ask for the closest meaning. Sentence completion questions give a sentence with a blank and ask which word fits it best — so knowing a definition is not enough; you need to know how the word is used.

Lower Level words are the vocabulary of good fifth- and sixth-grade reading: concrete, everyday-academic words such as “accumulate”, “boundary” and “cooperate”. Most name actions, feelings and qualities a student has met in a novel or a science lesson but may not yet use comfortably.

Words to Know

30 ISEE Lower Level words

A sample from the Lower list, each with a definition and an example sentence. Every word links to its own page with pronunciation, synonyms, translations and a practice question.

adapt — v. adjust, modify
He adapted quickly to new life.
barter — v./n. trade by exchange
They barter goods in the village.
equality — n. being equal
We strive for social equality.
equip — v. provide items or skills
The hikers are well equipped.
excel — v. be very good at
She excels in math.
exchange — v./n. give one thing for another
They exchanged gifts.
feat — n. achievement, act
Climbing Everest is a feat.
former — adj. previous, earlier
The former president spoke.
gentle — adj. having or showing a mild, kind, or tender temperament or character
She has a gentle manner that puts everyone at ease.
germinate — v. start growing
Seeds germinate in spring.
identical — adj. exactly alike
The twins are identical in every way.
incapable — adj. not able to
He is incapable of lying.
inspect — v. look at carefully
Please inspect your work.
intermediate — adj. between two levels
This book is for intermediate learners.
knock — v./n. hit a door for attention; hit
He knocked on the door.
labor — n./v. work, workers
Physical labor is tiring.
loathe — v. hate very much
She loathes injustice.
makeshift — adj. temporary substitute
They used a box as a makeshift table.
maternal — adj. motherly
She has a strong maternal instinct.
medium — n./adj. middle size or method
Radio is a popular medium.
metaphor — n. comparison, figure of speech
Time is a river is a metaphor.
obligation — n. duty, responsibility
He has an obligation to help.
outlook — n. view; expectancy, perspective
The economic outlook is positive.
passage — n. part of text; way through
Please read the passage aloud.
resign — v. give up job, quit
He resigned from his position.
reveal — v. make known, show
The magazine revealed the truth.
unite — v. come together, join
People must unite for peace.
unrest — n. troubled, disturbed state
There was social unrest.
verdict — n. legal decision, judgement
The jury gave a guilty verdict.
voyage — n. long journey by sea or space
The voyage lasted five weeks.

The full Lower list is studied one word at a time: start a Lower Level study session.

How to study Lower Level vocabulary

Learn each word with a sentence, not just a definition — sentence completion questions test whether a word fits a situation.
Say the synonym out loud as you study: the synonym questions reward instant recognition.
Group words by theme (feelings, actions, places) so they come back together on test day.

Practise in the real format

Each practice test follows the Lower Level Verbal Reasoning format, with every answer explained: Lower Level Practice Test 1 · Lower Level Practice Test 2 · Lower Level Practice Test 3.

For the whole test — levels, scoring and how to prepare — see the ISEE guide. Other levels: ISEE Middle Level vocabulary · ISEE Upper Level vocabulary.

ISEE Lower Level vocabulary FAQ

What vocabulary is on the ISEE Lower Level?

The ISEE Lower Level, for students applying to grades 5–6, tests vocabulary in the Verbal Reasoning section through synonym questions and sentence completion questions. Lower Level words are the vocabulary of good fifth- and sixth-grade reading: concrete, everyday-academic words such as “accumulate”, “boundary” and “cooperate”. Most name actions, feelings and qualities a student has met in a novel or a science lesson but may not yet use comfortably.

How long is the ISEE Lower Level Verbal Reasoning section?

34 questions in 20 minutes, all multiple choice with four options. ERB does not publish a fixed split between synonym and sentence completion questions; practice tests usually treat it as roughly half and half.

How many words should I study for the ISEE Lower Level?

There is no official ISEE word list. The iSEE Vocab Lower list has 600+ words chosen for this level; students who work through a list of that size, with example sentences, are well prepared for the vocabulary the test uses.

How is the Lower Level different from the Middle Level?

Middle Level adds more abstract words and more words with several meanings; Lower Level stays closer to everyday reading.

What is the best way to study ISEE Lower Level vocabulary?

Learn each word with a sentence, not just a definition — sentence completion questions test whether a word fits a situation. Say the synonym out loud as you study: the synonym questions reward instant recognition. Group words by theme (feelings, actions, places) so they come back together on test day.