ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Identifying Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #16 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

MOROSE

Possible Answers:

Recondite

Gloomy

Prolific

Virtuous

Conventional

Correct answer:

Gloomy

Explanation:

A "morose" person is of a sullen temperament, often negative and depressing to be around. Among the options provided, the only decent synonym is “gloomy.” The words “conventional” and especially “virtuous” might tempt you given that “morose” looks like “moral.” While it actually is distantly related to these other words, do not be tricked so easily!

Example Question #17 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

FRACTIOUS

Possible Answers:

Shimmery

Grandiose

Irritable

Broken

Ephemeral

Correct answer:

Irritable

Explanation:

"Fractious" means "irritable" and quarrelsome.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

FATUOUS

Possible Answers:

Portly

Worrisome

Dull

Brazen

Bright

Correct answer:

Dull

Explanation:

The word "fatuous" is an adjective that means foolish or lacking wit. "Dull," which can mean lacking wit, shares the same definition and is therefore the best answer choice. Considering the other choices, "bright" in this context is an antonym of "fatuous" since it can mean intelligent. "Portly" means heavy or fat.

Example Question #461 : Identifying Synonyms

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

GLIB

Possible Answers:

Pivot

Portable

Crass

Smooth-talking

Dumbfounded

Correct answer:

Smooth-talking

Explanation:

A person who is "glib" is smooth-talking, meaning they are able to speak well. The best choice is thus "smooth-talking," since it is part of the definition of "glib." Considering the other choices, "crass" means rude or gross, "dumbfounded" means astonished, "pivotal" means crucial or important, and "portable" means able to be transported easily.

Example Question #22 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

COMBATIVE

Possible Answers:

Disruptive

Torrid

Battle

Obedient

Masterful

Correct answer:

Disruptive

Explanation:

"Combative" is an adjective that means ready to fight. The best choice is "quarrelsome," since it holds a similar meaning of ready to argue. Considering the other choices, "obedient" is an antonym which means complying with authority, "masterful" means skillful, "torrid" means very hot and arid, or passionate when describing a romantic relationship.

Example Question #462 : Identifying Synonyms

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

DILIGENT

Possible Answers:

Elegant

Approachable

Eloquent

Careful

Demonstrative

Correct answer:

Careful

Explanation:

“Diligent” means careful, hard-working, and taking care to do something well, so "careful" is the best synonym amongst the answer choices. “Approachable” means friendly and thus easily approached; “demonstrative” means demonstrating something or openly showing feelings or affection; “eloquent” means well-spoken; and “elegant” means having grace, sophistication, and good taste.

Example Question #463 : Identifying Synonyms

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

CAPRICIOUS

Possible Answers:

Wanton

Changeable

Flexible

Humane

Reliable

Correct answer:

Changeable

Explanation:

“Capricious” means changing in response to the slightest whims, so "changeable" is the correct answer. Being “reliable” is the opposite of being “capricious”; “flexible” means bendable; “humane” means compassionate or treating something like a human should be treated; and "wanton” means random.

Example Question #24 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

DISSOLUTE

Possible Answers:

Imperious

Vulnerable

Meddlesome

Depraved

Laudable

Correct answer:

Depraved

Explanation:

“Dissolute” means of poor moral character, depraved and debauched. “Depraved” means lacking moral character or doing sinful or immoral things, so it is the correct answer. “Imperious” means arrogant and controlling; “laudable” means deserving of praise; “meddlesome” means interfering or prone to getting involved in situations in which one is not supposed to; “vulnerable” means able to be hurt or damaged.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

CONTEMPTUOUS

Possible Answers:

Remorseful

Scornful

Docile

Impregnable

Surreptitious

Correct answer:

Scornful

Explanation:

“Contemptuous” means showing scorn and hatred for something, so "scornful" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “remorseful” means full of guilt and sadness over something one did wrong; “docile” means calm and compliant; “impregnable” means unable to be captured or broken; and “surreptitious” means secret and sneaky.

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

GREGARIOUS

Possible Answers:

Supplementary

Complementary

Domineering

Sociable

Implacable

Correct answer:

Sociable

Explanation:

“Gregarious” means friendly and sociable, so "sociable" is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “implacable” means unappeasable, unable to be placated, or not forgiving; “domineering” means controlling; “complementary” means something that works well with something else; and “supplementary” means additional.

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