All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #10 : Synonyms: Nouns For Tangible Things
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
LAURELS
Homages
Ideas
Grievances
Praise
Sentiments
Praise
“Laurels” are literally leaves from a laurel tree formed into a crown for a victor, but metaphorically, "laurels" can also mean praise for some accomplishment. The phrase "resting on one's laurels" uses this definition; it means not really trying very hard, but instead, coasting on the fame of one's previous successes. So, "praise" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “sentiments” are one’s attitudes and opinions; “grievances” are things one disagrees with and takes issue with; and “homages” are things that are dedicated to someone or something.
Example Question #1961 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
EMOLLIENT
aspersion
liniment
effrontery
grandiloquence
antipathy
liniment
"Emollient" and "liniment" both mean a balm or ointment. "Aspersion" means a verbal exhibition of bad tempter. "Antipathy" means strong dislike or distrust. "Effrontery" means nerve or boldness. "Grandiloquence" means bombast or boasting.
Example Question #1962 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Edifice most nearly means __________.
delicatessen
restaurant
resolve
resolution
building
building
The word “edifice” comes from Latin roots either literally meaning “building” or also “to make a building.” When we “edify” someone, we “build them up” or improve them. The best option is the very general term “building” and none of the more specific building types mentioned.
Example Question #1963 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
TERMINAL
Diagnosis
Sickness
End
Disease
Prognostication
End
Often, we speak of a “terminal illness,” and several of the wrong answers are meant to tempt you into thinking choosing them because of this association. What is meant when we so call an illness is that it is going to lead to the end of life of the person diagnosed. The “term” of something is its “end” in the sense of being the very last point with regard to that thing (the end of life, the end of a stick, etc).
Example Question #1964 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ARRAY
Perjury
Frenzy
Distraction
Assortment
Mishap
Assortment
An “array” is an assortment of many different types of things, so "assortment" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, a “distraction” is something that takes your attention away from whatever you are focused on; “perjury” is the act of lying under oath in court; a "mishap” is something minor that goes wrong; and a "frenzy" is a brief span of intense emotion or activity.
Example Question #1965 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
GARB
Plaudits
Clothing
Lamentations
Limitations
Possessions
Clothing
“Garb” is another word for garments or "clothing," often referring to a specific set of clothes used for a particular purpose or when one takes on a particular role. As for the other answer choices, “possessions” are things that are owned; “limitations” are restrictions or things that hold people back; “plaudits” are congratulations or praise; “lamentations” are spoken acts of mourning.
Example Question #1966 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MALADY
Catalyst
Antecedent
Inspiration
Detention
Ailment
Ailment
A “malady” is a disease, sickness, or "ailment." As for the other answer choices, “detention” means the act of being punished or imprisoned by being placed in custody or this state of imprisonment; a “catalyst” is something that provides impetus for or helps start a reaction or an event; “inspiration” means motivation or something that causes someone to act willingly; “antecedent” means precursor, forerunner, or a thing that comes before another thing.
Example Question #1967 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
HAZARD
Toxic
Carcinogenic
Terror
Option
Risk
Risk
When used as a noun, the word "hazard" is used to describe something that is dangerous. The adjectival form "hazardous" is often used to describe various things that are dangerous—hazardous roads, hazardous traffic, hazardous waste, and so forth. Among the options given here, most of them are somehow related to hazardous things. If something is dangerous, it is likely a terror. Likewise, a toxic thing is hazardous, as is a carcinogenic (i.e. cancer-causing) thing, but a "hazard" is simply a dangerous thing. Thus, the general word "risk" is the best option for this question.
Example Question #1968 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
WRIT
Polyglot
Heroine
Order
Hiatus
Kowtow
Order
A "writ" is a legal command, an order to appear before court. The closest answer therefore is "order." To provide further help, a "heroine" is a female hero; "hiatus" means break, rest period; "kowtow" means to bow, to defer to another; a "polyglot" is a speaker of multiple languages.
Example Question #1969 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PRECEPT
Rule
Festival
Bastion
Gala
Stronghold
Rule
A "precept" is a rule or principle meant to govern behavior. To provide further help, "bastion" and "stronghold" are synonyms; both words mean an institution that upholds a dying ideal. "Gala" means festival.
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All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
