All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #421 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DAUNTING
Intimidating
Overscheduled
Massive
Effective
Immense
Intimidating
Strictly speaking, the word “daunting” describes something that is intimidating to the point of causing fear. Very often, it is used in sentences with the word “task” or “undertaking” to indicate that some project is so difficult and intimidating that it likely frightens those who would attempt it away from any such attempt. The two words “immense” and “massive” might be used to describe something that is daunting, but they do not signify the same thing as “daunting.”
Example Question #43 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MOROSE
Inclement
Deathly
Skeletal
Gloomy
Deadly
Gloomy
Several of the options provided here are attempting to lead you to confuse “morose” with “morbid.” The latter is related to death and someone’s temperament often leading to focus on death. A morose person is really someone who is “gloomy” or perhaps depressive. While such a person might be morbid, the words are separate.
Example Question #422 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
POIGNANT
Reminiscent
Vexing
Sorrowful
Nostalgic
Irritating
Sorrowful
The word “poignant” comes from the Latin for “to prick” or “pierce.” Something that is “poignant” pierces to the heart, often evoking emotions of sadness something that no longer exists or for some regret. For instance, an elderly person might be said to experience poignant memories of his or her youth, spent joyfully with friends who are no longer alive. Among the options provided, only “sorrowful” indicates the sadness brought about by such memories.
Example Question #423 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PUSILLANIMOUS
Sumptuous
Valiant
Prevalent
Timorous
Viable
Timorous
"Pusillanimous" and "timorous" both mean fearful or cowardly. "Valiant" means brave or courageous. "Sumptuous" means luxurious or splendid. "Viable" means reasonable or practical. "Prevalent" means accepted or widespread.
Example Question #44 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
LUGUBRIOUS
Congenial
Prompt
Avuncular
Decorous
Sorrowful
Sorrowful
"Lugubrious" means sorrowful or bleak. "Decorous" means appropriate or suitable. "Congenial" means friendly or affable. "Avuncular" refers to something advisable. "Prompt" means on-time or responsive.
Example Question #45 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
LACKADAISICAL
Apathetic
Untoward
Halcyon
Inchoate
Refulgent
Apathetic
"Lackadaisical" and "apathetic" both mean careless or indifferent. "Untoward" means troublesome or improper. "Refulgent" means glowing or brilliant. "Halcyon" means calm or peaceful. "Inchoate" means undeveloped or beginning.
Example Question #46 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ALOOF
Glib
Sympathetic
Diaphanous
Feckless
Haughty
Haughty
"Aloof" and "haughty" both mean remote or detached. "Sympathetic" means concerned or caring. "Feckless" means careless or without purpose. "Glib" means slick or smooth-talking. "Diaphanous" means fine or see-through.
Example Question #424 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ARDENT
Dolorous
Disagreeable
Forgetful
Pugnacious
Intense
Intense
The word “ardent” is related to “ardor,” which means passion or zeal. Both of these terms come from that Latin verb meaning to be on fire. In a sense, you can think of them as expressing “being on fire” emotionally for some project, goal, or aim. When someone is called, for example, “an ardent supporter,” he or she is a strong and zealous supporter of that cause. Likewise, when one “ardently discusses a topic,” he or she does so with great enthusiasm and vigor.
Example Question #425 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
OVERWROUGHT
Overactive
Anxious
Jittery
Annoying
Inconsistent
Anxious
When someone is “overwrought,” that person is excited or anxious. While that might cause someone to be jittery or even annoying, the best option among those given is the mere direct definition, “anxious.” The word would be used in a sentence like, “Having arrived at the long-feared day, Jonathan was so overwrought that he could not even sleep because of his agitated nerves.”
Example Question #426 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
TEMPESTUOUS
Blizzard
Overwhelmed
Frenzied
Hurricane
Harrying
Frenzied
The word “tempestuous” is related to the word “tempest,” which is a strong wind storm. When applied to a human person, it implies that the person has a very strong emotional disposition. Someone could say, “John had an extremely tempestuous attitude, often screaming at his subordinates and always arguing with someone.”
All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
