ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #14 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

OSTENTATIOUS

Possible Answers:

Conspicuous

Pejorative

Pedantic

Resolute

Mellifluous

Correct answer:

Conspicuous

Explanation:

"Ostentatious" means conspicuous, flashy, or showy. "Mellifluous" means smooth and sweet-sounding. "Pedantic" means overly-precise or bookish. "Pejorative" means negative or belittling. "Resolute" means determined or strong-willed.

Example Question #14 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

QUIXOTIC

Possible Answers:

Literary

Idealistic

Humorous

Quotidian

Potential

Correct answer:

Idealistic

Explanation:

"Quixotic" is an adjective that means "exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical" and derives from Cervantes's literary character Don Quixote. While "quotidian" may look like a potentially correct answer choice simply because both "quixotic" and "quotidian" begin with "q," "quotidian" means "of or occurring every day," so it cannot be the correct answer. "Idealistic," which means "characterized by idealism; unrealistically aiming for perfection," is the best answer choice because it is closest in meaning to "quixotic."

Example Question #15 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

PLACID

Possible Answers:

Levelheaded

Complaining

Harried

Compliant

Jovial

Correct answer:

Levelheaded

Explanation:

"Placid" is an adjective meaning either "not easily upset or excited" when used to describe a person or animal and "calm and peaceful, with little movement or activity" when describing a place or stretch of water. "Levelheaded," an adjective that means "calm and sensible," is the answer choice closest in meaning to "placid," so it is the correct answer.

Example Question #16 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

MOROSE

Possible Answers:

Recondite

Gloomy

Prolific

Virtuous

Conventional

Correct answer:

Gloomy

Explanation:

A "morose" person is of a sullen temperament, often negative and depressing to be around. Among the options provided, the only decent synonym is “gloomy.” The words “conventional” and especially “virtuous” might tempt you given that “morose” looks like “moral.” While it actually is distantly related to these other words, do not be tricked so easily!

Example Question #17 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

FRACTIOUS

Possible Answers:

Shimmery

Grandiose

Irritable

Broken

Ephemeral

Correct answer:

Irritable

Explanation:

"Fractious" means "irritable" and quarrelsome.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

FATUOUS

Possible Answers:

Portly

Worrisome

Dull

Brazen

Bright

Correct answer:

Dull

Explanation:

The word "fatuous" is an adjective that means foolish or lacking wit. "Dull," which can mean lacking wit, shares the same definition and is therefore the best answer choice. Considering the other choices, "bright" in this context is an antonym of "fatuous" since it can mean intelligent. "Portly" means heavy or fat.

Example Question #21 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

GLIB

Possible Answers:

Pivot

Smooth-talking

Dumbfounded

Crass

Portable

Correct answer:

Smooth-talking

Explanation:

A person who is "glib" is smooth-talking, meaning they are able to speak well. The best choice is thus "smooth-talking," since it is part of the definition of "glib." Considering the other choices, "crass" means rude or gross, "dumbfounded" means astonished, "pivotal" means crucial or important, and "portable" means able to be transported easily.

Example Question #22 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

COMBATIVE

Possible Answers:

Disruptive

Torrid

Battle

Obedient

Masterful

Correct answer:

Disruptive

Explanation:

"Combative" is an adjective that means ready to fight. The best choice is "quarrelsome," since it holds a similar meaning of ready to argue. Considering the other choices, "obedient" is an antonym which means complying with authority, "masterful" means skillful, "torrid" means very hot and arid, or passionate when describing a romantic relationship.

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

DILIGENT

Possible Answers:

Careful

Demonstrative

Approachable

Elegant

Eloquent

Correct answer:

Careful

Explanation:

“Diligent” means careful, hard-working, and taking care to do something well, so "careful" is the best synonym amongst the answer choices. “Approachable” means friendly and thus easily approached; “demonstrative” means demonstrating something or openly showing feelings or affection; “eloquent” means well-spoken; and “elegant” means having grace, sophistication, and good taste.

Example Question #23 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

CAPRICIOUS

Possible Answers:

Wanton

Flexible

Reliable

Humane

Changeable

Correct answer:

Changeable

Explanation:

“Capricious” means changing in response to the slightest whims, so "changeable" is the correct answer. Being “reliable” is the opposite of being “capricious”; “flexible” means bendable; “humane” means compassionate or treating something like a human should be treated; and "wanton” means random.

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