All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #55 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
OPULENT
Cultured
Lavish
Sophisticated
Important
Urbane
Lavish
Something that is "opulent" is very expensive, to the point of being showy. Thus, the word "lavish" is the only option that matches this meaning. Note, however, that "opulent" can be used as an adjective that means wealthy more generally as well.
Example Question #831 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
IMPASSIONED
Foolish
Ardent
Loving
Loyal
Devoted
Ardent
As probably is obvious to you, the word "impassioned" is related to "passion," but this does not necessarily indicate being in love or anything of that sort. It merely can mean being moved greatly. Think of a "passionate attitude." This describes someone who experiences a great amount of emotional attachment to something. To say, "Paul is passionate about politics," is to say, "He really is devoted to and excited about political matters." Thus, the best synonym for "impassioned" is "ardent", which means enthusiastic. It actually comes from Latin roots meaning to burn. (A passionate person burns with enthusiasm, so to speak.)
Example Question #611 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INFIRMITY
Elasticity
Malady
Flexibility
Vigor
Senility
Malady
Someone who is "infirm" is weak or sick. This has nothing to do with rigidity (as though it were like a "firm mattress"). Several options—elasticity and flexibility—attempt to have you misread the word in this manner. We often speak of the elderly as being "infirm" because of their weakness; however, "infirmity" is not the same as senility. The only option that is correct, therefore, is "malady". Inasmuch as an infirmity can be a sickness (in addition to a more general weakness), it is synonymous to "malady", which means disease.
Example Question #58 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DRASTIC
Depressing
Infirm
Radical
Wonderful
Thrilling
Radical
Something that is "drastic" is extreme and often surprising. A drastic reduction in work output means that the amount of work being done has reduced significantly. The word "radical" comes from Latin roots meaning, to the root. A radical change is one that alters something significantly. This is the best option among those provided. Do not be tricked into "thrilling." A drastic event might be exciting or thrilling; however, this is not the direct meaning of "drastic."
Example Question #612 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
LATENT
Drastic
Amazing
Mystical
Magical
Dormant
Dormant
The word "latent" comes from roots meaning hidden. A "latent" ability is one that is unknown and hidden to the one who possesses it. When something is "dormant" it is hidden in this way as well. The word "dormant" comes from the Latin for to sleep. It is as if something that is "dormant" is hidden because it is sleeping. (Think of a "dormant volcano," meaning one that is not active. Its power is hidden, so to speak.)
Example Question #613 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CULPABLE
Imprisoned
Condemned
Fundamental
Inert
Responsible
Responsible
The word "culpable" comes from the Latin "culpa," meaning guilt. A culpable person is a guilty person. Thus, the best answer is "responsible." This is meant in the sense of saying that someone is guilty, as when we say, "He was responsible for the crime." Now, "condemned" and "imprisoned" may be tempting, but culpability is first and foremost about guilt. Whether or not it causes condemnation or imprisonment is secondary. Culpability is a matter of inherent responsibility, not the results of the action for which the person is responsible.
Example Question #614 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HEINOUS
Illegal
Criminal
Atrocious
Fearful
Terrifying
Atrocious
For this question, you need to be very exact when considering potential options. Often, we hear the word "heinous" used to describe a crime. This means that the given crime is extremely wicked or horrible. Among the options provided here, only "atrocious" is an appropriate synonym. Many "heinous" things are "illegal," "criminal," and "terrifying;" however the word first and foremost describes something that is extremely terrible and immoral.
Example Question #615 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
LUDICROUS
Engaging
Infantile
Illogical
Preposterous
Immature
Preposterous
Something that is "ludicrous" is ridiculous, amusing, and utterly foolish. While such things could be considered illogical, the word "illogical" does not exactly capture the ridiculousness expressed by the word "ludicrous." Thus, among the options provided, the only one that is appropriate is "preposterous," which means completely insane or crazy.
Example Question #616 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
LAMENTABLE
Crying
Redundant
Pernicious
Wretched
Harmful
Wretched
To "lament" something means to express sorrow or grief over that thing. Something that is "lamentable" is something that causes grief or sorrow for an understandable reason. Now, while it may cause sorrow, the primary meaning of a lamentable event or thing is horrible or extremely bad. Because it is so bad, it causes grief, but "lamentable" first and foremost indicates such a terrible situation. Thus, the best option among those given is "wretched", meaning horrible.
Example Question #617 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FAMISHED
Neglected
Dying
Tedious
Ravenous
Hungry
Ravenous
The word "famished" describes someone who is extremely hungry. For this reason, the option "ravenous" is a much better option than "hungry," for "ravenous" means exactly what you need for this question—very hungry. Perhaps you have heard of someone being said to have a "ravenous appetite". This means that he or she has a very large appetite.
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