All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #15 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
QUIXOTIC
Quotidian
Potential
Humorous
Literary
Idealistic
Idealistic
"Quixotic" is an adjective that means "exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical" and derives from Cervantes's literary character Don Quixote. While "quotidian" may look like a potentially correct answer choice simply because both "quixotic" and "quotidian" begin with "q," "quotidian" means "of or occurring every day," so it cannot be the correct answer. "Idealistic," which means "characterized by idealism; unrealistically aiming for perfection," is the best answer choice because it is closest in meaning to "quixotic."
Example Question #16 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PLACID
Compliant
Harried
Complaining
Jovial
Levelheaded
Levelheaded
"Placid" is an adjective meaning either "not easily upset or excited" when used to describe a person or animal and "calm and peaceful, with little movement or activity" when describing a place or stretch of water. "Levelheaded," an adjective that means "calm and sensible," is the answer choice closest in meaning to "placid," so it is the correct answer.
Example Question #17 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MOROSE
Recondite
Virtuous
Prolific
Gloomy
Conventional
Gloomy
A "morose" person is of a sullen temperament, often negative and depressing to be around. Among the options provided, the only decent synonym is “gloomy.” The words “conventional” and especially “virtuous” might tempt you given that “morose” looks like “moral.” While it actually is distantly related to these other words, do not be tricked so easily!
Example Question #18 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FRACTIOUS
Ephemeral
Irritable
Grandiose
Broken
Shimmery
Irritable
"Fractious" means "irritable" and quarrelsome.
Example Question #81 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FATUOUS
Brazen
Bright
Worrisome
Dull
Portly
Dull
The word "fatuous" is an adjective that means foolish or lacking wit. "Dull," which can mean lacking wit, shares the same definition and is therefore the best answer choice. Considering the other choices, "bright" in this context is an antonym of "fatuous" since it can mean intelligent. "Portly" means heavy or fat.
Example Question #82 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
GLIB
Pivot
Portable
Crass
Smooth-talking
Dumbfounded
Smooth-talking
A person who is "glib" is smooth-talking, meaning they are able to speak well. The best choice is thus "smooth-talking," since it is part of the definition of "glib." Considering the other choices, "crass" means rude or gross, "dumbfounded" means astonished, "pivotal" means crucial or important, and "portable" means able to be transported easily.
Example Question #83 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
COMBATIVE
Disruptive
Masterful
Torrid
Obedient
Battle
Disruptive
"Combative" is an adjective that means ready to fight. The best choice is "quarrelsome," since it holds a similar meaning of ready to argue. Considering the other choices, "obedient" is an antonym which means complying with authority, "masterful" means skillful, "torrid" means very hot and arid, or passionate when describing a romantic relationship.
Example Question #7 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DILIGENT
Eloquent
Demonstrative
Approachable
Elegant
Careful
Careful
“Diligent” means careful, hard-working, and taking care to do something well, so "careful" is the best synonym amongst the answer choices. “Approachable” means friendly and thus easily approached; “demonstrative” means demonstrating something or openly showing feelings or affection; “eloquent” means well-spoken; and “elegant” means having grace, sophistication, and good taste.
Example Question #84 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CAPRICIOUS
Humane
Flexible
Wanton
Changeable
Reliable
Changeable
“Capricious” means changing in response to the slightest whims, so "changeable" is the correct answer. Being “reliable” is the opposite of being “capricious”; “flexible” means bendable; “humane” means compassionate or treating something like a human should be treated; and "wanton” means random.
Example Question #85 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DISSOLUTE
Imperious
Depraved
Vulnerable
Meddlesome
Laudable
Depraved
“Dissolute” means of poor moral character, depraved and debauched. “Depraved” means lacking moral character or doing sinful or immoral things, so it is the correct answer. “Imperious” means arrogant and controlling; “laudable” means deserving of praise; “meddlesome” means interfering or prone to getting involved in situations in which one is not supposed to; “vulnerable” means able to be hurt or damaged.
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