All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #71 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
WILLFUL
noisome
obstinate
arboreal
abysmal
nonplussed
obstinate
"Willful" and "obstinate" both mean stubborn or headstrong. "Abysmal" means to a great extent or immeasurable. "Noisome" means immoral, bad, or offensive. "Arboreal" means pertaining to trees. "Nonplussed" means confused.
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
QUIXOTIC
pragmatic
cynical
idealistic
demure
cogent
idealistic
"Quixotic" and "idealistic" both mean foolishly dreamy. "Cynical" means nonbelieving or doubtful. "Pragmatic" means sensible or efficient. "Demure" means reserved or affected. "Cogent" means effective or compelling.
Example Question #451 : Identifying Synonyms
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
FORBEARING
intrepid
tolerant
impotent
stolid
garish
tolerant
"Forbearing" and "tolerant" both mean forgiving or moderate. "Impotent" means disabled or unable to perform an action. "Garish" means flashy or tasteless. "Intrepid" means brave or nervy. "Stolid" means apathetic or stupid.
Example Question #74 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
GARRULOUS
Imminent
Talkative
Bizarre
Pleasurable
Considerate
Talkative
"Garrulous" means talkative, so "talkative" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "garrulous": "bizarre" means strange or very odd "Cocnsiderate" means thoughtful or considering the feelings and thoughts of other people; "pleasurable" means giving one pleasure; and "imminent" means impending or close to occurring.
Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DOUR
banal
grim
dilapidated
impartial
ecstatic
grim
"Dour" is an adjective that refers to someone's manner or appearance and has a few different meanings, including gloomy and austere. While "dilapidated" sounds like it might be a good answer choice, it means in poor condition due to having been neglected over time—not quite what we're looking for. "Grim," on the other hand, can mean somber or gloomy and is the closest in meaning to "dour," so it is the best answer choice.
Example Question #71 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PRUDENT
deceptive
judicious
judgmental
sly
critical
judicious
The word “prudent” has perhaps received a bad sense in its standard usage by most English-speakers. One will at times speak of “prudent” people who know how to work things to their gain. For instance, someone might be called “prudent” for keeping silent about opinions instead of insulting someone who might give him or her a job; however, the word “prudent” is of much nobler origins, meaning discerning or even wise in practical action. For this reason, among the options provided, the best option is “judicious,” meaning judging well. This meaning will cover the more negative uses but likewise applies to the nobler notions of “prudence.”
Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CAPRICIOUS
Reverent
Fickle
Ephemeral
Dreary
Insolent
Fickle
"Capricious" means changing one's mood in a fickle, unpredictable manner, so the answer choice that is its best synonym is "fickle," or changing frequently.
Example Question #12 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
JUDICIOUS
Legal
Illicit
Prudent
Rhetorical
Tribunal
Prudent
The word “judicious” is related to “judgment,” but do not let that lead you to the law-related words like “legal,” “illicit,” and “tribunal.” When someone is “judicious,” he or she has and exercises “good judgment.” Such a person could be called “prudent,” meaning he or she is wise in a practical manner.
Example Question #13 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
CAPRICIOUS
Condescending
Amusing
Predictable
Planned
Impulsive
Impulsive
"Capricious" means unpredictable, so both planned and predictable are incorrect, because they are antonyms for capricious. "Condescending" means to lower in position, and "amusing" involves humor, so the best answer choice is "impulsive."
Example Question #14 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
OSTENTATIOUS
Resolute
Pejorative
Mellifluous
Pedantic
Conspicuous
Conspicuous
"Ostentatious" means conspicuous, flashy, or showy. "Mellifluous" means smooth and sweet-sounding. "Pedantic" means overly-precise or bookish. "Pejorative" means negative or belittling. "Resolute" means determined or strong-willed.
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