ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ISEE Upper Level Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #101 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

DISTINGUISHED

Possible Answers:

Portly

Eminent

Frivolous

Comely

Permissive

Correct answer:

Eminent

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Timorous

Bestial

Daunting

Reticent

Pusillanimous

Correct answer:

Daunting

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Nominal

Acute

Abstruse

Obtuse

Fawning

Correct answer:

Fawning

Explanation:

"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

Example Question #2481 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

CRAVEN

Possible Answers:

Cowardly

Parsimonious

Miserly

Haughty

Generous

Correct answer:

Cowardly

Explanation:

Someone who is "craven" is cowardly and pathetic. To provide further help, "miserly" and "parsimonious" are synonyms, both words mean stingy, not generous with money. Finally, "haughty" means arrogant, bold and disdainful towards others

Example Question #2482 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

IRASCIBLE

Possible Answers:

Regal

Detestable

Sinewy

Petulant

Malleable

Correct answer:

Petulant

Explanation:

"Irascible" means irritable, quick-tempered, easily angered. This is closest in meaning to "petulant," which means bad-tempered, badly-behaved. To provide further help, "sinewy" means strong and muscular; "detestable" means deserving of hatred; "malleable" means flexible, easily changed; "regal" means of or related to royalty

Example Question #771 : Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

MORDANT

Possible Answers:

Dejected

Hapless

Raucous

Scathing

Bestial

Correct answer:

Scathing

Explanation:

"Mordant" means having a harsh and critical tone, scathing, caustic. To provide further help, "bestial" means savage, like a beast; "hapless" means unlucky, hopeless, useless; "dejected" means very sad; "raucous" means loud and out of control

Example Question #772 : Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

PERSPICACIOUS

Possible Answers:

Factious

Discerning

Gauche

Pretentious

Alluring

Correct answer:

Discerning

Explanation:

"Perspicacious" means discerning and astute, able to notice things that others would not. To provide further help, "factious" means causing disagreement; "gauche" means tacky and unrefined, lacking grace; "alluring" means attractive, appealing; "pretentious" means trying to impress others by exaggerating one's characteristics or by being fake and trendy

Example Question #773 : Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

RETICENT

Possible Answers:

Assiduous

Painstaking

Arduous

Confident

Withdrawn

Correct answer:

Withdrawn

Explanation:

"Reticent" means shy, reserved, withdrawn. To provide further help, "arduous" and "painstaking" both describe a challenging or difficult task; "assiduous" means industrious, hard working

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