All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #95 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.
SUPERCILIOUS
arrogant
radical
unnecessary
taciturn
arrogant
Supercilious means arrogant or haughty.
Example Question #34 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
EXTROVERTED
Outgoing
Harsh
Reclusive
Fickle
Merciful
Outgoing
"Extroverted" means sociable or outgoing, so "outgoing" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "extroverted": "reclusive" is an antonym of "outgoing" and means solitary and avoiding other people; "fickle" means constantly changing; "harsh" means severe or cruel; and "merciful" means sympatheitc or forgiving.
Example Question #35 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
CONVIVIAL
Insolent
Generous
Exotic
Lively
Ferocious
Lively
"Convivial" means lively or enjoyable and often is used to describe an environment or event. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "convivial": "exotic" means foreign or nonnative; "ferocious" means fierce or savage; "generous" means very willing to give or donate to other people; and "insolent" means rude and arrogant.
Example Question #36 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
LACONIC
Concise
Portly
Stern
Representative
Egalitarian
Concise
The people of ancient Sparta (a region also called Lakonia) were known for sparing their words. Today the word "laconic," meaning concise or succinct communication, keeps the memory of the ancient Spartan concision alive in the English language.
Example Question #2411 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
STOIC
resigned
boring
placed
exhausted
tedious
resigned
The word “stoic” is taken from a school of Greek and Roman philosophy that emphasized the need of being detached from emotions and unmoved by the fortunes of life. When someone is said to be “stoic” or “stoical,” he or she is being described as “accepting things as they come in a calm manner.” When someone is “resigned,” he or she accepts something that is undesirable precisely because he or she cannot alter the situation.
Example Question #38 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
TRACTABLE
Eclectic
Loquacious
Manageable
Vacuous
Obstinate
Manageable
"Tractable" and "manageable" both mean controllable or easily grasped. "Obstinate" means stubborn or determined. "Eclectic" means diverse or varied. "Loquacious" means talkative. "Vacuous" means empty or unintelligent.
Example Question #39 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VERBOSE
Pejorative
Loquacious
Venerable
Succinct
Venturesome
Loquacious
"Verbose" and "loquacious" both mean wordy or long-winded. "Succinct" means brief or to the point. "Venturesome" means courageous or adventurous. "Venerable" means respected or esteemed. "Pejorative" means negative or belittling.
Example Question #41 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
RELIABLE
Plodding
Repeatable
Gregarious
Dependable
Friendly
Dependable
This question is meant to make you over-think your answer. The word “reliable” is very common, but do not be fooled by the options given to you. We often think of someone who is reliable as being friendly, willing, and many other positive descriptions. While this might be the case at times, the strictest sense of “reliable” (i.e. the sense that most directly applies to our question here) is "dependable” or trustworthy. The former is the answer to this question in particular. We speak of “reliable” people and things when we wish to express that we can “count on them,” that is, when we know that they will function when the necessary time arrives.
Example Question #42 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
LACONIC
Trite
Sullen
Verbose
Tempered
Terse
Terse
The word “laconic” is very rare, but it means “speaking in a brief manner.” It is derived from the Greek region Lacedaemonia, in which were located the Spartans. As a warrior people, they were known for being rather “short” in their speech—practical people, cut and dry. The word “laconic” is derived from this. The only option that expresses such brevity is “terse.”
Example Question #43 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CONNIVING
Surly
Colluding
Superlative
Jaundiced
Emaciated
Colluding
"Conniving" and "colluding" both mean to plot or scheme. "Jaundiced" means tainted or prejudiced. "Superlative" means excellent or first-class. "Emaciated" means undernourished or thin. "Surly" means gruff or boorish.
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