All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
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
Friendly
Miserable
Surly
Mild
Hard-working
Friendly
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
Enraged
Contemptible
Inferior
Impoverished
Discouraged
Discouraged
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
Overscheduled
Immense
Effective
Massive
Intimidating
Intimidating
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
Gloomy
Inclement
Deathly
Deadly
Skeletal
Gloomy
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
Nostalgic
Vexing
Irritating
Sorrowful
Reminiscent
Sorrowful
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
Valiant
Timorous
Sumptuous
Prevalent
Viable
Timorous
"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
Sorrowful
Congenial
Decorous
Prompt
Avuncular
Sorrowful
"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
Refulgent
Inchoate
Halcyon
Apathetic
Untoward
Apathetic
"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
Diaphanous
Feckless
Sympathetic
Haughty
Glib
Haughty
"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
Intense
Disagreeable
Dolorous
Pugnacious
Forgetful
Intense
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.