All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #2471 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ZEALOUS
Irate
Indignant
Divine
Vexed
Committed
Committed
The word "zealous" and "zeal" come from Latin roots that mean jealous. To be "zealous" is to be energetic with regard to something. It is a kind of "jealous anger" or "jealous energy"—not so much in the sense of being envious as in the sense of desiring something intensely. Thus, a zealous person is very devoted to his or her cause and could rightly be described as being "committed," which is the best option among those provided.
Example Question #2472 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PENSIVE
Egalitarian
Foolish
Intelligent
Wise
Introspective
Introspective
The word "pensive" is related to the French "penser," as in the famous expression of Descartes: "Je pense donc je suis!"—"I think therefore I am!" Someone who is "pensive" is reflective and thoughtful. This does not mean that the person is necessarily deeply wise or intelligent (though this may quite well be the case). To be pensive means that you can ponder. Among the options, the best is "introspective." This means inward looking (=intro + spective). A person who is thoughtful, looks inward (so to speak) and reflects for a long time.
Example Question #761 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DILIGENT
Industrious
Delightful
Fixated
Regular
Devoted
Industrious
When someone is "diligent," he or she is devoted to his or her work. Now, while this would likely make you think that "devoted" would be the best option, actually "industrious" is slightly better. When someone is "industrious," he or she is works with great care and devotion. This expresses the role of work in the devotion better than the simple word "devoted."
Example Question #762 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
THRIFTY
Economical
Cheap
Destitute
Careful
Stingy
Economical
When someone is "thrifty," he or she is very careful with money. This does not necessarily mean that he or she is "cheap" or "stingy." Likewise, it does not mean that the person is "destitute" (poor). A wealthy person can be thrifty by buying things at a good price and not wasting his or her money. Now, "careful" may seem correct for this reason, but "economical" is better. When something is described as being "economical," it is an option that provides a good return for the amount of money spent on it. Therefore, this is the best option for a synonym for "thrifty."
Example Question #763 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ZEALOUS
Lethargic
Imprisoned
Colossal
Fervent
Apathetic
Fervent
"Zealous" is an adjective meaning having zeal or demonstrating energetic or fanatical support for a cause or person. "Fervent" shares the meaning of being fanatical. "Imprisoned" means held captive, "colossal" means huge, "lethargic" means tired and slow, and "apathetic" is an antonym of zealous meaning not caring at all.
Example Question #764 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
GREGARIOUS
Disgusting
Sociable
Fertile
Pungent
Innate
Sociable
"Gregarious" means sociable or enjoying the company of others, so "sociable" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "gregarious": "innate" means natural or inherent; "disgusting" means causing revulsion or off-putting; "fertile" means productive, able to produce a lot of vegetation, or able to bear young; and "pungent" means having a powerful smell or taste.
Example Question #765 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ELITIST
Petrified
Nonplussed
Desirable
Apprehensive
Snobbish
Snobbish
Someone who is "elitist" is arrogant and thinks they are better than other people. The closer answer choice to this definition is "snobbish." To provide further help, "petrified" means very scared; "apprehensive" means cautious and worried; "desirable" means wanted; "nonplussed" means confused.
Example Question #101 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DISTINGUISHED
Portly
Eminent
Frivolous
Comely
Permissive
Eminent
"Distinguished" is an adjective used to describe a person who is accomplished, famous and eminent within their field. To provide further help, "permissive" means tolerant; "portly" means fat; "comely" means cute; "frivolous" means wasted, not necessary.
Example Question #102 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FORMIDABLE
Timorous
Bestial
Daunting
Reticent
Pusillanimous
Daunting
"Formidable" means imposing and daunting. To provide further help, "reticent" means reserved; "timorous" means timid, easily frightened; "pusillanimous" means cowardly; "bestial" means savage, like a beast.
Example Question #103 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
UNCTUOUS
Nominal
Acute
Abstruse
Obtuse
Fawning
Fawning
"Unctuous" means excessively ingratiating, fawning, someone who debases themselves for someone else's approval. To provide further help, "abstruse" means hard to understand; "obtuse" means dim-witted, not smart; "acute" means sharp, quick-witted; "nominal" means insignificant.
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