All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #355 : Identifying Synonyms
A synonym of "blunt" is __________.
frank
subtle
demonstrated
derogatory
warning
frank
"Blunt," when used as an adjective, can mean either "having a worn-down edge or point; not sharp" when referring to knives, pencils, or other typically sharp objects, "uncompromisingly forthright" when referring to a person, or "saying or expressing something in a very direct way that may upset some people." So, we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "dull," "forthright," or "saying something in a very direct manner." "Subtle," then, cannot be the correct answer, because because "subtle" can mean "making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something," making "subtle" an antonym of "blunt." "Frank," however, is an adjective that means "open, honest, and direct in speech or writing, especially when dealing with unpalatable matters," and because "frank" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "blunt," "frank" is the correct answer.
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
A synonym of "curt" is __________.
agreeable
gruff
calm
fortunate
narrow-minded
gruff
"Curt" is an adjective that means "rudely brief," so we need to pick out an answer that means something like "rudely brief." So, "agreeable" cannot be the correct answer because "agreeable" is an antonym, not a synonym, of "curt." "Gruff," however, is an adjective that can mean "abrupt or taciturn in manner," and because "gruff" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "curt," "gruff" is the correct answer.
Example Question #356 : Identifying Synonyms
A synonym of "callow" is __________.
resolute
inexperienced
accomplished
meddling
unfortunate
inexperienced
"Callow" is an adjective that means "inexperienced and immature," especially when referring to a young person, so we need to pick out an answer that means something like "immature." So, "accomplished" cannot be the correct answer because "accomplished" is an adjective that means "highly trained or skilled," making it an antonym, not a synonym, of "callow." "Inexperienced," however, is a verb that can mean "having little knowledge or experience of a particular thing," and because "inexperienced" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "callow," "inexperienced" is the correct answer.
Example Question #357 : Identifying Synonyms
A synonym of "persistent" is __________.
wriggly
fatigued
halfhearted
resolute
inopportune
resolute
"Persistent" is an adjective that means "continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition." So, we need to pick out an adjective that means something like "continuing obstinately." So, "halfhearted" cannot be the correct answer, because "halfhearted" means "without enthusiasm or energy," making it an antonym of "persistent," not a synonym. "Resolute," however, is an adjective that means "admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering," and because "resolute" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "persistent," "resolute" is the correct answer.
Example Question #358 : Identifying Synonyms
A synonym of "flighty" is __________.
inconstant
languorous
promised
dependable
quiet
inconstant
"Flighty" is an adjective that means "fickle and irresponsible," so we need to pick out a word that means something like "fickle" or "irresponsible." "Dependable," then, cannot be the correct answer, because "dependable" means "trustworthy and reliable," making it an antonym, not a synonym, of "flighty." "Inconstant," however, is an adjective that means either "frequently changing; variable or irregular," or when referring to a person or their behavior, "not faithful and dependable." Because "inconstant" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "flighty," "inconstant" is the correct answer.
Example Question #359 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
HAUGHTY
Insistent
Substantial
Absent
Arrogant
Arrogant
Though pronounced "HOT-ee," the word "haughty" has nothing to do with heat. Rather, it describes one who is arrogant or snobby. It has traveled through variations in several languages from a Latin word that means "high."
Example Question #361 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
GENEROUS
Magnanimous
Detrimental
Spendthrift
Penurious
Selfish
Magnanimous
All of the terms aside from "detrimental" (harmful) are related to "generous" in some way, but "magnanimous" is most appropriate because it means generous in giving and benevolent. "Spendthrift" means indulgent and wasteful in spending, "penurious" means stingy, and "seflish" means only thinking of oneself and not of others.
Example Question #362 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
IMPRESSIVE
Solitary
Negative
Identical
Visible
Admirable
Admirable
"Impressive" means admirable or evoking praise or admiration, so "admirable" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are related in meaning to "impressive": "identical" means exactly the same; "visible" means apparent or able to be seen; "solitary" means alone or by oneself; and "negative" means not hopeful or pessimistic.
Example Question #363 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
COURTEOUS
Immense
Edible
Frigid
Solo
Polite
Polite
"Courteous" means polite and gracious, so "polite" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "courteous": "edible" means able to be eaten. "Frigid" means extremely cold. "Immense" means very great in size, and "solo" means done independently or alone.
Example Question #364 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
GENTEEL
Solitary
Offensive
Sedentary
Coarse
Refined
Refined
A "genteel" person is one who is extremely polite and/or refined in his or her manners. So, "refined" is the correct answer.
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All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
