All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #411 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
STRINGENT
Rigorous
Striped
Fake
Belittle
Rigorous
The word "stringent" means strict or severe. The best choice is "rigorous," as it also means severe. Considering the other choices, "striped" means having stripes, "fake" means not real, and "belittle" is a verb that means portray as less important or impressive.
Example Question #412 : Identifying Synonyms
A synonym of "deferential" is __________.
derelict
insulting
proportionate
reverential
nimble
reverential
"Deferential" is an adjective that means "showing deference; respectful," so we need to pick out an adjective that means something like "respectful." So, "insulting" cannot be the correct answer, because "insulting" is an adjective that means "disrespectful or scornfully abusive," making the word an antonym, not a synonym, of "deferential." "Reverential," however, means "of the nature of, due to, or characterized by reverence," where "reverence" is a noun meaning "deep respect for someone or something." Because "reverential" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "deferential," "reverential" is the correct answer.
Example Question #413 : Identifying Synonyms
Synonyms: Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.
IMPETUOUS
Spiteful
Reckless
Juvenile
Domineering
Feckless
Reckless
Someone who is “impetuous” is rude and reckless. To provide further help, “reckless” means not careful; “spiteful” means cruel and desiring revenge; “domineering” means accustomed to taking charge; “juvenile” means immature.
Example Question #414 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INDUSTRIOUS
Minor
Mischievous
Feeble
Hard-working
Dedicated
Hard-working
"Industrious" means hard-working or diligent, so "hard-working" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "industrious": "feeble" means weak or fragile; "mischievous" describes a person that is often in trouble; "minor" means relatively unimportant; and "dedicated" means focused or willing to put a lot of time and energy into some activity.
Example Question #415 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
RESOLUTE
Unfaltering
Baffling
Loud
Waffling
Just
Unfaltering
"Resolute" is an adjective that means "admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering," so we need to pick out an answer choice that means something like "unwavering." "Waffling," then, cannot be the correct answer because "waffling" means "failing to make up one's mind," so "waffling" is an antonym of "resolute," not a synonym. "Unfaltering," however, is an adjective that means "not faltering; steady; resolute." Because "unfaltering" is the answer choice that is closest in meaning to "resolute," "unfaltering" is the correct answer.
Example Question #416 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
TENACIOUS
Courageous
Humble
Argumentative
Determined
Passionate
Determined
"Tenacious" means determined, or unwilling to give up. Therefore, the word with the closest meaning to "tenacious" is "determined."
Example Question #417 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
STEADFAST
Frivolous
Quick
Faithful
Nervous
Talkative
Faithful
"Steadfast" is an adjective that means firm and unwavering. "Faithful" is the best choice because it means firm in one's loyalty. Considering the other choices, "bent" means physically pressed out of shape,"quick" means done in little time, and "frivolous" means having little importance.
Example Question #418 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BASHFUL
Secret
Coy
Beautiful
Jealous
Obliterated
Coy
"Bashful" is an adjective that means shy. The best choice is "coy" because it has a similar definition—flirtatiously shy. Considering the other choices, "obliterated" means destroyed, "jealous" means feeling resentment out of desire for another person's success or belongings, "beautiful" means very aesthetically pleasant, and "secret" means known only to one person or few people.
Example Question #419 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
TACITURN
Limber
Reserved
Extravagant
Eloquent
Outgoing
Reserved
“Taciturn” means quiet, reserved, and not saying much, so "reserved" is the correct answer; “outgoing” means loud and sociable; “extravagant” means fancy and expensive; "limber" means able to bend and stretch one's body; and “eloquent” means well-spoken.
Example Question #420 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BOISTEROUS
Lively
Stubborn
Docile
Enlightened
Lax
Lively
“Boisterous” means loud, full of life, and energetic, so "lively" is the correct answer. “Enlightened” means wise, knowledgeable, or informed about something; “docile” means quiet, peaceful, and non-threatening; “stubborn” means inflexible and not likely to change one’s mind; and “lax” means slack, negligent, and too casual.
All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
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