All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #461 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MOROSE
Recondite
Virtuous
Conventional
Prolific
Gloomy
Gloomy
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 #462 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FRACTIOUS
Ephemeral
Grandiose
Broken
Shimmery
Irritable
Irritable
"Fractious" means "irritable" and quarrelsome.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FATUOUS
Portly
Dull
Brazen
Bright
Worrisome
Dull
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 #463 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
GLIB
Dumbfounded
Pivot
Crass
Portable
Smooth-talking
Smooth-talking
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 #464 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
COMBATIVE
Disruptive
Masterful
Obedient
Battle
Torrid
Disruptive
"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 #37 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DILIGENT
Elegant
Demonstrative
Approachable
Careful
Eloquent
Careful
“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 #465 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CAPRICIOUS
Humane
Changeable
Reliable
Flexible
Wanton
Changeable
“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 #466 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DISSOLUTE
Depraved
Imperious
Laudable
Meddlesome
Vulnerable
Depraved
“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 #91 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CONTEMPTUOUS
Docile
Impregnable
Surreptitious
Remorseful
Scornful
Scornful
“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 #92 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
GREGARIOUS
Implacable
Domineering
Sociable
Supplementary
Complementary
Sociable
“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.