ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #982 : Synonyms

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

UNRULY

Possible Answers:

Rowdy

Sympathetic

Contagious

Modern

Toxic

Correct answer:

Rowdy

Explanation:

"Unruly" means disorderly or rowdy, so "rowdy" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "unruly": "sympathetic" means showing sympathy or compassion; "toxic" means poisonous; "modern" means new and contemporary; and "contagious" means spreading easily from person to person and usually refers to illnesses or diseases.

Example Question #983 : Synonyms

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

FAITHFUL

Possible Answers:

Defamatory 

Forcible 

Mendacity 

Disloyal

Devoted

Correct answer:

Devoted

Explanation:

“Faithful” means devoted or loyal, so "devoted" is the correct answer. To provide further help, “disloyal” means not loyal, “mendacity” is another term for dishonesty or lying, “forcible” means aggressive, and “defamatory” means insulting and slanderous and is used to refer to information that is rude and probably not true.

Example Question #984 : Synonyms

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

PASSIONATE

Possible Answers:

Emotional

False

Appetizing

Engaged

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 #985 : Synonyms

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

SHREWD

Possible Answers:

Clever

Bland

Foolish

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 #986 : Synonyms

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

CAPTIVATING

Possible Answers:

Drab

Pointless

Quick

Fascinating

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 #987 : Synonyms

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

JOCULAR

Possible Answers:

Humorous

Exasperated

Smart

Tired

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 #988 : Synonyms

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

DILIGENT

Possible Answers:

Attentive

Heedless

Apathetic

Negligent

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 #988 : Synonyms

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

FLIPPANT

Possible Answers:

Hostile

Sassy

Sharp

Laid-back

Courteous

Correct answer:

Sassy

Explanation:

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

Example Question #989 : Synonyms

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

UNRULY

Possible Answers:

Faithful

Obedient

Rebellious

Meager

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 #991 : Synonyms

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

BORING

Possible Answers:

Intriguing

Dull

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.

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors