All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
GLOOMY
Argumentative
Passionate
Compatible
Jubilant
Depressed
Depressed
"Gloomy" means sad and depressed, so "depressed" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "gloomy": "jubilant" means extremely happy and joyful; "passionate" means having strong feelings and great energy; "compatible" means able to work together, able to get along, or able to coexist peacefully; and "argumentative" means inclined to fight or disagree.
Example Question #62 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
IRATE
Angry
Delighted
Worried
Wonderful
Angry
"Irate" is an adjective that means enraged, so the answer closest in meaning to "irate" is "angry," which is an adjective that means showing strong resentment. Considering the other answer choices, none are as close in meaning to "irate" as is "angry": "delighted" is an adjective meaning very pleased; "worried" is adjective meaning concerned; and "wonderful" is an adjective meaning great or marvelous.
Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
SOMBER
Irritated
Happy
Tired
Sad
Sad
"Somber" is an adjective meaning dull, depressing, and/or dark, so the answer closest in meaning to "somber" is "sad," which is an adjective meaning unhappy and sorrowful. Considering the other answer choices, none are close in meaning to "somber": "happy" means pleased and glad; "tired" means somewhat exhausted; and "irritated" means annoyed.
Example Question #12 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SULLEN
Hopeful
Angry
Bashful
Gloomy
Reserved
Gloomy
If something is sullen, it means it is gloomy. For instance, teenagers are quite sullen and moody to the dismay of their parents.
Example Question #13 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CRESTFALLEN
Bored
Cheerful
Careful
Afraid
Dejected
Dejected
"Crestfallen" is an adjective that means downhearted, so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like sad. "Cheerful" cannot be the correct answer, then, because "cheerful" means happy, so it is an antonym of sad. "Dejected," however, is an adjective that means sad, and because it is the answer choice that is closest in meaning to "crestfallen," "dejected" is the correct answer.
Example Question #14 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
ENERGETIC
Concise
Exuberant
Timid
Courageous
Diligent
Exuberant
"Energetic" means lively or exuberant, so "exuberant" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "energetic": "concise" means short and to the point; "timid" means fearful or easily scared; "diligent" means industrious or hard-working; and "courageous" means brave and bold.
Example Question #15 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States
Synonyms: Select the word whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
POIGNANT
Pointed
Memorable
Distorted
Hurtful
Memorable
"Poignant" means evoking a keen emotion. Therefore, something that is "poignant" is "memorable," as it has the ability to evoke keen emotions. "Pointed" means sharp or filed and is not a synonym of "poignant." "Distorted" means warped, which is also not a synonym of "poignant." While something that is "hurtful" might have the potential to be "poignant," the words are not synonyms because they do no mean the same thing. "Poignant" refers to evoking emotions, while something that is "hurtful" alludes to physical or emotional pain.
Example Question #16 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
APPREHENSIVE
Dutiful
Stubborn
Pacific
Immaculate
Anxious
Anxious
"Apprehensive" means anxious or worried about something, so "anxious" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "apprehensive": "pacific" means peaceful and non-violent; "stubborn" means unwilling to change's one mind despite contrary evidence; "immaculate" means extremely clean; and "dutiful" means responsible and willing to fulfill one's duties and tasks.
Example Question #17 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
TURBULENT
Orderly
Repetitive
Tumultuous
Meandering
Blunt
Tumultuous
"Turbulent" is an adjective that can mean either "characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not controlled or calm," or when speaking of air or water, "moving unsteadily or violently." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "characterized by disorder" or "moving violently." "Orderly," then, cannot be the correct answer, because "orderly," which means "neatly and methodically arranged" or "of a person or group: well behaved; disciplined," is an antonym of "turbulent," not a synonym. "Tumultuous," however, is an adjective that means either "making a loud, confused noise; uproarious," or "excited, confused, or disorderly." Because "tumultuous" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "turbulent," "tumultuous" is the correct answer.
Example Question #18 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
JUBILANT
Very happy
Very sad
Very handsome
Very angry
Very friendly
Very happy
"Jubilant" means very happy and is related to the words "joy" and "jubilation," which both mean happiness, and "jubilee," which means anniversary.