All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #661 : Synonyms
Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
AFFABLE
wealthy
untrue
genial
comical
genial
Someone who is "affable" is easy to talk with and pleasant to be around. "Genial" best conveys this sense (a likable pageant contestant might be named "Miss Congeniality"—a related word).
Example Question #2381 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
CAPRICIOUS
generous
captivating
erratic
superstitious
erratic
Derived from an old Italian word that described one's hair standing on end in horror, "capricious" means subject to sudden, unpredictable changes (a prospect that might terrify someone who desires a more-predictable life). This is best expressed by the adjective "erratic." Do not confuse "capricious" with "propitious" (favorable).
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
BENIGN
unkempt
malignant
benevolent
injurious
stygian
benevolent
"Benign" and "benevolent" both mean kindly or favorable. "Unkempt" means shabby or sloppy. "Injurious" means hurtful or destructive. "Malignant" means diseased or cancerous. "Stygian" means dark or shadowy.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
WILLFUL
abysmal
nonplussed
arboreal
noisome
obstinate
obstinate
"Willful" and "obstinate" both mean stubborn or headstrong. "Abysmal" means to a great extent or immeasurable. "Noisome" means immoral, bad, or offensive. "Arboreal" means pertaining to trees. "Nonplussed" means confused.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
QUIXOTIC
pragmatic
cynical
demure
idealistic
cogent
idealistic
"Quixotic" and "idealistic" both mean foolishly dreamy. "Cynical" means nonbelieving or doubtful. "Pragmatic" means sensible or efficient. "Demure" means reserved or affected. "Cogent" means effective or compelling.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
FORBEARING
tolerant
garish
intrepid
stolid
impotent
tolerant
"Forbearing" and "tolerant" both mean forgiving or moderate. "Impotent" means disabled or unable to perform an action. "Garish" means flashy or tasteless. "Intrepid" means brave or nervy. "Stolid" means apathetic or stupid.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
GARRULOUS
Talkative
Pleasurable
Bizarre
Imminent
Considerate
Talkative
"Garrulous" means talkative, so "talkative" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "garrulous": "bizarre" means strange or very odd "Cocnsiderate" means thoughtful or considering the feelings and thoughts of other people; "pleasurable" means giving one pleasure; and "imminent" means impending or close to occurring.
Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DOUR
banal
grim
dilapidated
ecstatic
impartial
grim
"Dour" is an adjective that refers to someone's manner or appearance and has a few different meanings, including gloomy and austere. While "dilapidated" sounds like it might be a good answer choice, it means in poor condition due to having been neglected over time—not quite what we're looking for. "Grim," on the other hand, can mean somber or gloomy and is the closest in meaning to "dour," so it is the best answer choice.
Example Question #2382 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PRUDENT
judgmental
sly
critical
deceptive
judicious
judicious
The word “prudent” has perhaps received a bad sense in its standard usage by most English-speakers. One will at times speak of “prudent” people who know how to work things to their gain. For instance, someone might be called “prudent” for keeping silent about opinions instead of insulting someone who might give him or her a job; however, the word “prudent” is of much nobler origins, meaning discerning or even wise in practical action. For this reason, among the options provided, the best option is “judicious,” meaning judging well. This meaning will cover the more negative uses but likewise applies to the nobler notions of “prudence.”
Example Question #2383 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CAPRICIOUS
Ephemeral
Dreary
Reverent
Fickle
Insolent
Fickle
"Capricious" means changing one's mood in a fickle, unpredictable manner, so the answer choice that is its best synonym is "fickle," or changing frequently.
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All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
