ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #33 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Synonyms: Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.

PASSIONATE

Possible Answers:

Appetizing

Engaged

Emotional

False

Correct answer:

Emotional

Explanation:

"Passionate" is defined as showing or caused by strong feelings or strong beliefs. The best answer choice is "emotional," since those who are "emotional" display intense feelings and are often described as being "passionate."

Example Question #34 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

SHREWD

Possible Answers:

Foolish

Bland

Clever

Exciting

Correct answer:

Clever

Explanation:

A "shrewd" individual is perceptive; he or she is quick-witted and skilled at using thinking to solve problems. In other words, a shrewd person is "clever." "Foolish" is clearly an incorrect choice; "bland" means tasteless or boring, and "exciting" refers to an event that causes people to become eager or excited.

Example Question #35 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

CAPTIVATING

Possible Answers:

Drab

Fascinating

Pointless

Quick

Correct answer:

Fascinating

Explanation:

A "captivating" person grabs the interest of others and keeps it. When describing someone like this, one might use the phrase "can't tear my eyes away," meaning that it is very difficult to ignore that person. Here, the answer choice with the most similar meaning is "fascinating." "Drab" usually describes something that is dull or boring; "pointless" means meaningless, and "quick" is another word for fast.

Example Question #36 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

JOCULAR

Possible Answers:

Tired

Smart

Humorous

Exasperated

Correct answer:

Humorous

Explanation:

The adjective "jocular" describes someone who tends to make jokes or act lighthearted. "Humorous," another term for funny, is the proper choice. You likely already know the meanings of "tired" and "smart," and therefore know that neither word refers to a playful or joking manner. Finally, "exasperated" is a good word to know, though not the correct answer. You've probably felt "exasperated" when you've been annoyed by an irritating situation that has gone on for too long.

Example Question #820 : Identifying Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

DILIGENT

Possible Answers:

Negligent

Heedless

Attentive

Apathetic

Correct answer:

Attentive

Explanation:

"Diligent" means putting one's whole effort into carefully doing something. "Attentive," meaning demonstrating careful thought or observation, is the best match.

Example Question #37 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

FLIPPANT

Possible Answers:

Hostile

Sharp

Courteous

Sassy

Laid-back

Correct answer:

Sassy

Explanation:

"Flippant" means lacking proper respect. "Sassy" is the best match because it means cheeky or impertinent.

Example Question #38 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

UNRULY

Possible Answers:

Rebellious

Meager

Faithful

Obedient

Correct answer:

Rebellious

Explanation:

Think of "unruly" as an adjective meaning not following rules, difficult to control, or rebellious. "Obedient" and "faithful" are antonyms of "unruly" and "rebellious." "Meager" means very small or too small in amount.

Example Question #39 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

BORING

Possible Answers:

Dull

Intriguing

Exciting

Fascinating

Correct answer:

Dull

Explanation:

"Fascinating" and "intriguing" are synonyms, and both words mean interesting. Eliminate them, because there can be only one right answer. "Exciting" means "amazing," the opposite of "boring." So, "dull" is the correct answer.

Example Question #41 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

JOVIAL

Possible Answers:

Festive

Morose

Melancholy

Solemn

Correct answer:

Festive

Explanation:

If you are unsure what the word in capital letters means, look at the answer choices. You can eliminate any answer choices that are synonyms of one other, because there isn't more than one right answer. "Morose" and "melancholy" both mean sad, so you can eliminate them. "Solemn" can mean serious. "Festive" is the correct answer because it is closest in meaning to "jovial"; both words mean good-humored or merry.

Example Question #42 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

RETENTIVE

Possible Answers:

Having good memory

Wealthy

Healthy

Owning possessions

Educated 

Correct answer:

Having good memory

Explanation:

“Retentive” means able to hold on to memories, or “having good memory.” To provide further help, “possessions” are things that are owned

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