ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives and Adverbs

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #211 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DETERMINED

Possible Answers:

Unwavering

Serious

Unilateral

Singular

Judgmental

Correct answer:

Unwavering

Explanation:

When we "determine" something, we make a choice to do it in a particular way. For instance, you may have the option of having anything to eat for dinner, but you take this general category of "anything whatsoever" and make a determination—you say, "I will have this and not any of those other things." When a person is described as being "determined," he or she is certain about a given choice. We say things like, "He was determined to win at all costs." This means that he was unwilling to do anything else but win. Such a person does not turn from his or her goal and hence is "unwavering." The options "singular" and "serious" try to get you to confuse the other meanings and choose incorrectly. "Unswerving" is the best option provided.

Example Question #212 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

JUBILANT

Possible Answers:

Energetic

Enjoyable

Judgmental

Thrilled

Critical

Correct answer:

Thrilled

Explanation:

The word "jubilant" comes from roots that mean to be joyous and make a joyful, shouting noise. Thus, in general, when we say that someone is "jubilant," he or she is very joyous. Thus, the best word offered among your options is "thrilled." When someone is "thrilled," he or she is very excited and joyful.

Example Question #213 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

MORALISTIC

Possible Answers:

insulting

bombastic

threatening

offensive

didactic

Correct answer:

didactic

Explanation:

If you look at your options, there are a few categories you can create. For example, offensive; threatening; and insulting may all fit into a category for their closeness in meaning: they all signal that something bad is being directed at someone. Bombastic is something that makes a big splash, calls your attention immediately, but where nothing much more valuable can be found after the initial big moment. The word that is left is didactic, which describes a person or thing that loves to teach people lessons from a high moral ground, believing, say, they are better than their audience. Moralistic is very close in meaning--someone who always believes they have superior ability to judge others according to their moral character.

Example Question #214 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

FICKLE

Possible Answers:

Joyful

Intelligent

Steadfast

Temperamental

Malicious

Correct answer:

Temperamental

Explanation:

"Fickle" is an adjective describing a personality that is temperamental, unpredictable, and changing frequently. For example: "The FICKLE fans changed their favorite team every week, depending on who won or lost."

"Steadfast" is an antonym to "fickle." "Joyful" is an adjective used to describe someone who is extremely happy. "Intelligent" is an adjective used to describe someone who is smart. "Malicious" is an adjective used to describe someone who is mean-spirited.

Example Question #215 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

MEEK

Possible Answers:

Arrogant

Tame

Dishonest

Erratic

Capricious

Correct answer:

Tame

Explanation:

"Meek" is an adjective meaning humble or tame. For example: "The MEEK child did not cry, complain, or even speak throughout the long journey."

"Arrogant" could be considered an antonym to "meek."

Example Question #216 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DOCILE

Possible Answers:

Thoughtful

Menacing

Obedient

Arrogant

Smooth

Correct answer:

Obedient

Explanation:

"Docile" is an adjective meaning gentle or obedient. For example: The DOCILE dog does not bark, even when facing strangers."

While a "thoughtful" person may also be described as "docile," the words are not specifically synonymous. "Arrogant" is an adjective used to describe someone who is abrasive, overconfident, and haughty. "Menacing" is an adjective used to describe someone who is intimidating or frightening. "Smooth," when used as a personality adjective, describes someone who is suave.

Example Question #121 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

PLACID

Possible Answers:

Tranquil

Saint

Lake

Chaotic

Disturbing

Correct answer:

Tranquil

Explanation:

"Placid" means calm or peaceful. "Tranquil" also means calm or peaceful. For example: "The placid lake made Sienna feel calm and tranquil."

"Saints" or "lakes" can both be called "placid," but they are not synonyms for this word.

Example Question #122 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

LOQUACIOUS

Possible Answers:

Quiet

Exceptional

Redundant

Sullen

Talkative

Correct answer:

Talkative

Explanation:

The word "loquacious" can be used to describe someone who talks a lot. If you pay attention to the words that are not the correct answer, none adequately describes a loquacious person. Both "quiet" and "sullen" refer to someone who experiences a moment of silence and even sadness, and are thus antonyms to "loquacious;" "redundant" refers to something that is repetitive, and "exceptional" to something that is above average. The process of elmination should have helped you to answer this question.

Example Question #123 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

SLEAZY

Possible Answers:

Immoral

Reluctant

Feisty

Diverse

Porous

Correct answer:

Immoral

Explanation:

"Sleazy" means immoral and corrupt, sordid and unpleasant. To provide further help, "porous" means easily penetrated, easily passed through; "diverse" means varied, different; "feisty" means unexpectedly tough, a strong individual who is relatively small; "reluctant" means unwilling

Example Question #124 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

HAPLESS

Possible Answers:

Unkind

Unlucky

Unpleasant

Unattractive

Uncommon

Correct answer:

Unlucky

Explanation:

"Hapless" means unlucky, consistently unfortunate. You will have noticed that all the answer choices begin with the prefix un-. This is a negating prefix, this means it takes the original meaning of the word and causes it to mean the opposite. For example, "unkind" means not kind and "unpleasant" means not pleasant. Other prefixes in the English language that often have this impact are in- and im-

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