ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #101 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

PROFICIENT

Possible Answers:

Cautious

Reliable

Lucid

Competent

Flimsy

Correct answer:

Competent

Explanation:

"Proficient" means skilled or competent, so "competent" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "proficient": "flimsy" means fragile and easily broken; "reliable" means dependable; "lucid" means clearly explained; and "cautious" means careful and risk-averse.

Example Question #102 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

INDOLENT

Possible Answers:

Spry

Lethargic

Alert

Gay

Vivacious

Correct answer:

Lethargic

Explanation:

"Indolent" means tending to avoid exertion, and "lethargic" means lacking energy or sluggish. These two similar definitions make the words synonyms. 

Example Question #103 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

DILIGENT

Possible Answers:

Perilous

Considerate

Lucid

Praiseworthy

Attentive

Correct answer:

Attentive

Explanation:

"Diligent" is an adjective that means putting forth constant effort to accomplish something or persistent. The best choice is "attentive" because it has a similar meaning—putting much effort into caring for something or someone. Considering the other choices, "praiseworthy" means deserving praise"lucid" means easily understood, "considerate" means thinking of others' feelings, and "perilous" means dangerous.

Example Question #104 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

SUBMISSIVE

Possible Answers:

Meager

Combative

Stingy

Docile

Remote

Correct answer:

Docile

Explanation:

"Submissive" means docile or obedient to others, so "docile" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "submissive": "combative" means aggressive and inclined to fight; "meager" means inadequate or insufficient; "remote" means at a great distance or away from the cities or populated areas; and "stingy" means cheap or not inclined to spend money.

Example Question #105 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

TENACIOUS

Possible Answers:

Congested

Frenetic

Determined

Excessive

Serene

Correct answer:

Determined

Explanation:

“Tenacious” means stubbornnot going to let anything stop you, or "determined." As for the other answer choices, “excessive” means in an amount that is more than is necessary or wanted; “congested” means backed up or clogged; “serene” means peaceful and quiet; and “frenetic” means fast-paced and stressed.

Example Question #106 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

FERVENT

Possible Answers:

Simultaneous

Intense

Sagacious

Vicious

Wanton

Correct answer:

Intense

Explanation:

“Fervent” means intensely passionate about some particular cause or ideal, so "intense" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “sagacious” means wise; “wanton” means random; “vicious” means cruel and desiring to cause pain; and “simultaneous” means happening at the same time as something else.

Example Question #107 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

JUDICIOUS

Possible Answers:

Prudent

Robust

Flagrant

Astute

Akin

Correct answer:

Prudent

Explanation:

“Judicious” means careful and "prudent" when referring to people and reasonably considered when referring to decisions. As for the other answer choices, “robust” means strong and hard to break; “flagrant” means obviously and openly outrageous; “akin” means similar to; and “astute” means clever and observant.

Example Question #108 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

AMICABLE

Possible Answers:

Fortified

Friendly

Aimless

Selfish

Selfless

Correct answer:

Friendly

Explanation:

"Amicable” means friendly and good-natured, so "friendly" is the best answer choice. As for the other answer choices, “selfish” means thinking of only oneself instead of others; “selfless” means generous, caring about others more than yourself; “aimless” means without purpose or pointless; and “fortified” means strengthened, reinforced, or protected.

Example Question #109 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

OBSEQUIOUS

Possible Answers:

Domineering

Obnoxious

Bereaved

Servile

Abrupt

Correct answer:

Servile

Explanation:

Someone who is “obsequious” is groveling and pays compliments to someone who has power in order to gain that person's favor. This means that "servile," which means excessively subservient and fawning, is the best answer choice. As for the other answer choices, “domineering” means in charge or in control; “abrupt” means happening quickly, suddenly, and without warning; “obnoxious” means rude, loud, and ignorant; and “bereaved” means in mourning for the loss of a loved one.

Example Question #110 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

SPINELESS

Possible Answers:

Craven

Whimsical

Burdensome 

Loathsome 

Quarrelsome 

Correct answer:

Craven

Explanation:

“Spineless” means lacking gumption, confidence, and autonomy, so "craven," which means weak and afraid, is the correct answer. To provide further help, “whimsical” means silly and quirky; “quarrelsome” means argumentative; “burdensome” means worrisome or arduous; and “loathsome” means deserving of hatred

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