All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
OPAQUE
diaphanous
indirect
translucent
obscure
separating
obscure
When an object is "opaque," it does not allow light to pass through it. For instance, a piece of wood is opaque to sunlight, whereas a piece of clear glass is transparent. Even a “translucent” object (like cloudy glass) at least allows light through, which is not the case with an opaque object. At times, the word can be used to describe the reasoning or expressions of someone who is not being very clear in making a point. When someone is less than direct and clear in their speech, they are difficult to understand. This can also happen merely because of the complexity of the subject, which would make it difficult to “see through.”
Example Question #183 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ADAMANT
Contrite
Insistent
Flexible
Inopportune
Humane
Insistent
The adjective "adamant" is etymologically related to the word "diamond"—the hardest stone. Someone who is "adamant" is "hard" in the sense of being relentless, unyielding, or insistent.
Example Question #184 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DIRE
Impending
Sullen
Destructive
Dreadful
Angry
Dreadful
The word “dire” is often used in an expression like “dire straits,” meaning “in great distress.” The word generally means “terrible” or “extremely serious.” Among the options given, “dreadful” is the closest to this sense. The word would be used in a sentence like, “The dire situation in American education led the legislature to enact a number of new laws to remedy the terrible performance of the students.”
Example Question #185 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FURTIVE
Persistant
Superfluous
Infinite
Clandestine
Lavish
Clandestine
"Furtive" means secretive or stealthy, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; because of this, the answer choice that is its closest synonym is "clandestine," or kept secret or done secretively, especially because something is illicit.
Example Question #186 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PAINSTAKING
Slapdash
Inconsiderate
Exemplary
Meticulous
Unified
Meticulous
"Painstaking" is an adjective that means meticulous or extremely careful and particular, so "meticulous" is the correct answer.
Example Question #187 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SACRILEGIOUS
Gargantuan
Pious
Serene
Blasphemous
Traditional
Blasphemous
“Sacrilegious” means disrespecting religious ideas, objects, or traditions, or in other words, "blasphemous." As for the other answer choices, “serene” means quiet and peaceful; “pious” means deeply religious; “gargantuan” means huge, gigantic, very large, or colossal; and "traditional" means adhering to established conventions without changing them.
Example Question #2504 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.
ARRESTING
verbose
threatening
impactful
dissimilar
impactful
Arresting means striking, eye-catching, or impactful.
Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Other Adjectives
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
SYMBIOTIC
stringent
succinct
hindering
encumbering
synergistic
synergistic
"Symbiotic" and "synergistic" both mean cooperative or concerted. "Encumbering" means hindering or slowing. "Hindering" means encumbering or burdening. "Stringent" means stringent or tight. "Succinct" means short and to the point.
Example Question #192 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INTRINSIC
Somatic
Mandatory
Original
Innate
Intuitive
Innate
Instrinsic traits means they are innate or fundamental to a person; they are also described as inborn and natural.
Example Question #193 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
POLARIZING
Horrifying
Divisive
Elusive
Patriotic
Extraneous
Divisive
Although polarize has a more literal, scientific meaning relating to ionization of atoms, it is also used to refer to an opposition of beliefs; therefore "divisive" is the best synonym.