ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives and Adverbs

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

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

AFFABLE

Possible Answers:

Friendly

Miserable

Surly

Mild

Hard-working

Correct answer:

Friendly

Explanation:

Someone who is affable is pleasant and friendly.  For instance, an affable friend is warm and kindhearted.

Example Question #41 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DESPONDENT

Possible Answers:

Enraged

Contemptible

Inferior

Impoverished

Discouraged

Correct answer:

Discouraged

Explanation:

Someone who is despondent is depressed or discouraged.  The person is not necessarily poor, so the other answer choices referencing poverty are not correct.

Example Question #42 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DAUNTING

Possible Answers:

Overscheduled

Immense

Effective

Massive

Intimidating

Correct answer:

Intimidating

Explanation:

Strictly speaking, the word “daunting” describes something that is intimidating to the point of causing fear. Very often, it is used in sentences with the word “task” or “undertaking” to indicate that some project is so difficult and intimidating that it likely frightens those who would attempt it away from any such attempt. The two words “immense” and “massive” might be used to describe something that is daunting, but they do not signify the same thing as “daunting.”

Example Question #43 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

MOROSE

Possible Answers:

Gloomy

Inclement

Deathly

Deadly

Skeletal

Correct answer:

Gloomy

Explanation:

Several of the options provided here are attempting to lead you to confuse “morose” with “morbid.” The latter is related to death and someone’s temperament often leading to focus on death. A morose person is really someone who is “gloomy” or perhaps depressive. While such a person might be morbid, the words are separate.

Example Question #44 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

POIGNANT

Possible Answers:

Nostalgic

Vexing

Irritating

Sorrowful

Reminiscent

Correct answer:

Sorrowful

Explanation:

The word “poignant” comes from the Latin for “to prick” or “pierce.” Something that is “poignant” pierces to the heart, often evoking emotions of sadness something that no longer exists or for some regret. For instance, an elderly person might be said to experience poignant memories of his or her youth, spent joyfully with friends who are no longer alive. Among the options provided, only “sorrowful” indicates the sadness brought about by such memories.

Example Question #45 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

PUSILLANIMOUS

Possible Answers:

Valiant

Timorous

Sumptuous

Prevalent

Viable

Correct answer:

Timorous

Explanation:

"Pusillanimous" and "timorous" both mean fearful or cowardly. "Valiant" means brave or courageous. "Sumptuous" means luxurious or splendid. "Viable" means reasonable or practical. "Prevalent" means accepted or widespread

Example Question #46 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

LUGUBRIOUS

Possible Answers:

Sorrowful

Congenial

Decorous

Prompt

Avuncular

Correct answer:

Sorrowful

Explanation:

"Lugubrious" means sorrowful or bleak. "Decorous" means appropriate or suitable. "Congenial" means friendly or affable. "Avuncular" refers to something advisable. "Prompt" means on-time or responsive.

Example Question #47 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

LACKADAISICAL

Possible Answers:

Refulgent

Inchoate

Halcyon

Apathetic

Untoward

Correct answer:

Apathetic

Explanation:

"Lackadaisical" and "apathetic" both mean careless or indifferent. "Untoward" means troublesome or improper. "Refulgent" means glowing or brilliant. "Halcyon" means calm or peaceful. "Inchoate" means undeveloped or beginning

Example Question #48 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

ALOOF

Possible Answers:

Diaphanous

Feckless

Sympathetic

Haughty

Glib

Correct answer:

Haughty

Explanation:

"Aloof" and "haughty" both mean remote or detached. "Sympathetic" means concerned or caring. "Feckless" means careless or without purpose. "Glib" means slick or smooth-talking. "Diaphanous" means fine or see-through

Example Question #49 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

ARDENT

Possible Answers:

Intense

Disagreeable

Dolorous

Pugnacious

Forgetful

Correct answer:

Intense

Explanation:

The word “ardent” is related to “ardor,” which means passion or zeal. Both of these terms come from that Latin verb meaning to be on fire. In a sense, you can think of them as expressing “being on fire” emotionally for some project, goal, or aim. When someone is called, for example, “an ardent supporter,” he or she is a strong and zealous supporter of that cause. Likewise, when one “ardently discusses a topic,” he or she does so with great enthusiasm and vigor.

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