All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #674 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
JUDICIOUS
Legal
Tribunal
Illicit
Rhetorical
Prudent
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 #675 : Synonyms
Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
CAPRICIOUS
Condescending
Predictable
Impulsive
Planned
Amusing
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 #681 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
OSTENTATIOUS
Resolute
Pejorative
Conspicuous
Pedantic
Mellifluous
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.
Example Question #682 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
QUIXOTIC
Quotidian
Literary
Idealistic
Potential
Humorous
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 #683 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PLACID
Jovial
Complaining
Compliant
Harried
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 #461 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MOROSE
Virtuous
Recondite
Gloomy
Conventional
Prolific
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 #462 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FRACTIOUS
Broken
Irritable
Grandiose
Ephemeral
Shimmery
Irritable
"Fractious" means "irritable" and quarrelsome.
Example Question #85 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FATUOUS
Bright
Dull
Brazen
Portly
Worrisome
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 #684 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
GLIB
Pivot
Smooth-talking
Crass
Portable
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 #685 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
COMBATIVE
Battle
Disruptive
Masterful
Torrid
Obedient
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.
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All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
