ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives and Adverbs

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ISEE Middle Level Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #101 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

A synonym of "blunt" is __________.

Possible Answers:

warning

derogatory

demonstrated

frank

subtle

Correct answer:

frank

Explanation:

"Blunt," when used as an adjective, can mean either "having a worn-down edge or point; not sharp" when referring to knives, pencils, or other typically sharp objects, "uncompromisingly forthright" when referring to a person, or "saying or expressing something in a very direct way that may upset some people." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "dull," "forthright," or "saying something in a very direct manner." "Subtle," then, cannot be the correct answer, because because "subtle" can mean "making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something," making "subtle" an antonym of "blunt." "Frank," however, is an adjective that means "open, honest, and direct in speech or writing, especially when dealing with unpalatable matters," and because "frank" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "blunt," "frank" is the correct answer.

Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

A synonym of "curt" is __________.

Possible Answers:

calm

narrow-minded

agreeable

fortunate

gruff

Correct answer:

gruff

Explanation:

"Curt" is an adjective that means "rudely brief," so we need to pick out an answer that means something like "rudely brief." So, "agreeable" cannot be the correct answer because "agreeable" is an antonym, not a synonym, of "curt." "Gruff," however, is an adjective that can mean "abrupt or taciturn in manner," and because "gruff" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "curt," "gruff" is the correct answer.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

A synonym of "callow" is __________.

Possible Answers:

accomplished

unfortunate

resolute

inexperienced

meddling

Correct answer:

inexperienced

Explanation:

"Callow" is an adjective that means "inexperienced and immature," especially when referring to a young person, so we need to pick out an answer that means something like "immature." So, "accomplished" cannot be the correct answer because "accomplished" is an adjective that means "highly trained or skilled," making it an antonym, not a synonym, of "callow." "Inexperienced," however, is a verb that can mean "having little knowledge or experience of a particular thing," and because "inexperienced" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "callow," "inexperienced" is the correct answer.

Example Question #8 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

A synonym of "persistent" is __________.

Possible Answers:

halfhearted

inopportune

resolute

fatigued

wriggly

Correct answer:

resolute

Explanation:

"Persistent" is an adjective that means "continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition." So, we need to pick out an adjective that means something like "continuing obstinately." So, "halfhearted" cannot be the correct answer, because "halfhearted" means "without enthusiasm or energy," making it an antonym of "persistent," not a synonym. "Resolute," however, is an adjective that means "admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering," and because "resolute" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "persistent," "resolute" is the correct answer.

Example Question #102 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

A synonym of "flighty" is __________.

Possible Answers:

promised

dependable

inconstant

languorous

quiet

Correct answer:

inconstant

Explanation:

"Flighty" is an adjective that means "fickle and irresponsible," so we need to pick out a word that means something like "fickle" or "irresponsible." "Dependable," then, cannot be the correct answer, because "dependable" means "trustworthy and reliable," making it an antonym, not a synonym, of "flighty." "Inconstant," however, is an adjective that means either "frequently changing; variable or irregular," or when referring to a person or their behavior, "not faithful and dependable." Because "inconstant" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "flighty," "inconstant" is the correct answer.

Example Question #10 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

HAUGHTY

Possible Answers:

Absent

Substantial

Insistent

Arrogant

Correct answer:

Arrogant

Explanation:

Though pronounced "HOT-ee," the word "haughty" has nothing to do with heat. Rather, it describes one who is arrogant or snobby. It has traveled through variations in several languages from a Latin word that means "high."

Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

 

GENEROUS

Possible Answers:

Penurious

Detrimental

Magnanimous

Spendthrift

Selfish

Correct answer:

Magnanimous

Explanation:

All of the terms aside from "detrimental" (harmful) are related to "generous" in some way, but "magnanimous" is most appropriate because it means generous in giving and benevolent. "Spendthrift" means indulgent and wasteful in spending, "penurious" means stingy, and "seflish" means only thinking of oneself and not of others.

Example Question #12 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

IMPRESSIVE

Possible Answers:

Negative

Identical

Admirable

Solitary

Visible

Correct answer:

Admirable

Explanation:

"Impressive" means admirable or evoking praise or admiration, so "admirable" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are related in meaning to "impressive": "identical" means exactly the same; "visible" means apparent or able to be seen; "solitary" means alone or by oneself; and "negative" means not hopeful or pessimistic.

Example Question #13 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

COURTEOUS

Possible Answers:

Frigid

Edible

Immense

Polite

Solo

Correct answer:

Polite

Explanation:

"Courteous" means polite and gracious, so "polite" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "courteous": "edible" means able to be eaten. "Frigid" means extremely cold. "Immense" means very great in size, and "solo" means done independently or alone.

Example Question #14 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

GENTEEL

Possible Answers:

Coarse

Offensive

Refined

Solitary

Sedentary

Correct answer:

Refined

Explanation:

A "genteel" person is one who is extremely polite and/or refined in his or her manners. So, "refined" is the correct answer.

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