All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #831 : Synonyms
Select the word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
DOCILE
Smooth
Arrogant
Obedient
Thoughtful
Menacing
Obedient
"Docile" is an adjective meaning gentle or obedient. For example: The DOCILE dog does not bark, even when facing strangers."
While a "thoughtful" person may also be described as "docile," the words are not specifically synonymous. "Arrogant" is an adjective used to describe someone who is abrasive, overconfident, and haughty. "Menacing" is an adjective used to describe someone who is intimidating or frightening. "Smooth," when used as a personality adjective, describes someone who is suave.
Example Question #832 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PLACID
Chaotic
Disturbing
Tranquil
Saint
Lake
Tranquil
"Placid" means calm or peaceful. "Tranquil" also means calm or peaceful. For example: "The placid lake made Sienna feel calm and tranquil."
"Saints" or "lakes" can both be called "placid," but they are not synonyms for this word.
Example Question #833 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
LOQUACIOUS
Sullen
Quiet
Talkative
Exceptional
Redundant
Talkative
The word "loquacious" can be used to describe someone who talks a lot. If you pay attention to the words that are not the correct answer, none adequately describes a loquacious person. Both "quiet" and "sullen" refer to someone who experiences a moment of silence and even sadness, and are thus antonyms to "loquacious;" "redundant" refers to something that is repetitive, and "exceptional" to something that is above average. The process of elmination should have helped you to answer this question.
Example Question #834 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SLEAZY
Porous
Reluctant
Feisty
Diverse
Immoral
Immoral
"Sleazy" means immoral and corrupt, sordid and unpleasant. To provide further help, "porous" means easily penetrated, easily passed through; "diverse" means varied, different; "feisty" means unexpectedly tough, a strong individual who is relatively small; "reluctant" means unwilling.
Example Question #835 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HAPLESS
Unpleasant
Unkind
Uncommon
Unlucky
Unattractive
Unlucky
"Hapless" means unlucky, consistently unfortunate. You will have noticed that all the answer choices begin with the prefix un-. This is a negating prefix, this means it takes the original meaning of the word and causes it to mean the opposite. For example, "unkind" means not kind and "unpleasant" means not pleasant. Other prefixes in the English language that often have this impact are in- and im-.
Example Question #836 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
OVERBEARING
Dominating
Illustrious
Caustic
Vogue
Undocumented
Dominating
Someone who is "overbearing" is arrogantly dismissive of other's viewpoints, dominating and bullying. To provide further help, "illustrious" means acclaimed, well regarded, highly-praised; "undocumented" means not recorded, not written down; "vogue" means popular, fashionable; "caustic" means sarcastic and bitter.
Example Question #837 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PRODIGAL
Scornful
Dreadful
Harmful
Lawful
Wasteful
Wasteful
"Prodigal" means wasteful, spending money needlessly and wastefully. To provide further help, "lawful" means within the law; "dreadful" means terrible; "scornful" means mocking, contemptuous, expressing dislike; "harmful" means causing harm, not helpful.
Example Question #838 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CANDID
Angry
Deceptive
Truthful
Obnoxious
Loud
Truthful
Whenever someone is "candid," he or she is honest. Whenever someone has a "candid" personality trait, we say that he or she has candor. These words actually come from the Latin for white. Whenever we are honest or candid, we do not "color over" the truth. We just speak the truth honestly (often bluntly and directly). Thus, the best option for this question is "truthful."
Example Question #839 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ASTUTE
Detailed
Insightful
Careful
Scholarly
Reflective
Insightful
Perhaps you have heard the expression "an astute observation. "For example, someone might say, "The teacher was impressed by the astute observation made by Susan. Her remark was insightful and intelligent." Whenever we are astute, we are able to understand a situation or topic quickly and ably. Often, we are able to use that knowledge to our own advantage. For this question, however, we do not need to worry about this second part of the meaning. The only option that expresses a synonym for astute is "insightful." Even if someone is reflective, this is not the same as being insightful. A reflective person is someone who can think about things deeply. Often reflective people can be astute, but the word "reflective" is not as good of a synonym for "astute" as is "insightful."
Example Question #840 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CHARMING
Pleasing
Wealthy
Complete
Grateful
Beautiful
Pleasing
Whenever someone is "charming," we like to be in his or her presence. A "charming" attitude or demeanor is one that is pleasant and likeable. When we are "charmed" by something, we are "pleased" by that thing (and often desire to have it). Thus, the best option among those provided is "pleasing." Whenever someone says, "He is a very charming person," he or she likely means, "He is very pleasing to be around."
Certified Tutor
Certified Tutor