All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #923 : Synonyms
Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
AESTHETIC
affluent
sanitary
attractive
disciplined
attractive
"Aesthetic" describes something having to do with beauty. Be careful not to confuse it with similar sounding words like "ascetic" (harshly disciplined) or "aseptic" (sanitary).
Example Question #701 : Identifying Synonyms
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
TAWDRY
tacky
nebulous
sophisticated
urbane
taciturn
tacky
"Tawdry" and "tacky" both mean cheap or tasteless. "Sophisticated" means refined or elegant. "Nebulous" means confused or obscure. "Taciturn" means uncommnicative. "Urbane" means cosmopolitan or sophisticated.
Example Question #702 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
TEPID
Enthusiastic
Halfhearted
Downcast
Awe-inspiring
Frigid
Halfhearted
"Tepid" takes on one of its two meanings in this question. "Tepid" can mean lukewarm, but it can also mean halfhearted or indifferent. This question uses the secondary meaning of tepid and the best answer choice is halfhearted.
Example Question #703 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EDIFYING
Amazing
Spurning
Defying
Improving
Decreeing
Improving
The word “edifying” is related to the English “edifice,” meaning building. Most strictly, “to edify” means to improve someone intellectually or morally. It is often used in the sense of “improvement” in general, though this is a secondary usage. Bearing this qualification in mind, “improving” is still the best option among those given. One can speak of “edification” when describing the instruction itself, as in, “He provided edification to the young man in order to improve his moral behavior.”
Example Question #704 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
GARISH
Modest
Gaudy
Rare
Warlike
Succulent
Gaudy
Something that is "garish" is excessively and crudely showy. "Gaudy" carries the same sense of being tastelessly flashy. "Modest" is an antonym.
Example Question #2641 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BENIGN
Mild
Detrimental
Thrilled
Severe
Aloof
Mild
If something is benign such as the weather, it indicates that it is mild. In the case of weather, benign conditions are the opposite of inclement weather.
Example Question #2642 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
WRETCHED
Queasy
Wary
Willful
Reassuring
Deplorable
Deplorable
"Wretched" and "deplorable" both mean terrible or miserable. "Reassuring" means bolstering or cheerful. "Willful" means stubborn or obstinate. "Wary" means careful or cautious. "Queasy" means uncomfortable or fidgety.
Example Question #2643 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SHABBY
Miniature
Jubilant
Tactful
Essential
Run-down
Run-down
"Shabby" means run-down or in worn-out condition. "Tactful" means acting with skill and delicacy in dealing with other people's issues. "Essential" means required or very important. "Jubilant" means very happy and joyful. "Miniature" means a smaller version.
Example Question #2644 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
MUNDANE
Intelligent
Common
Plausible
Exciting
Boring
Common
The definition of "mundane" is everyday or ordinary, making "common" the only possible choice.
Example Question #2645 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PRODIGIOUS
supportive
monumental
harmful
reassuring
jabbing
monumental
The word “prodigious” is related to the same root word as “prodigy,” which is often used to describe a person who has great skills. For instance, many people talked of Mozart as a “child prodigy” because he could play the piano with great skill at a young age. When something is “prodigious,” it is impressive, magnificent, or at least grand in scope or degree. Among the options provided, “monumental” best captures this sense.
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