All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #661 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PENSIVE
Contemplative
Disturbed
Annoyed
Confused
Distracted
Contemplative
"Pensive" is an adjective meaning performing reflection or deep and serious thought. "Contemplative" is a similar adjective meaning engaged in the act of thinking as well. The words "annoyed," "disturbed," "distracted," and "confused" are all antithetical to "pensive."
Example Question #662 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
JOCULAR
Annoying
Beautiful
Obvious
Blank
Playful
Playful
"Jocular" is an adjective meaning exhibiting a joyous or jesting mood. "Playful" means wanting to play or be amused, and is a close synonym. "Annoying," "obvious," "blank," and "beautiful" are all adjectives unrelated to playfulness or joking.
Example Question #663 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PETULANT
Peevish
Fastidious
Mendacious
Feckless
Quiescent
Peevish
"Petulant" is an adjective meaning rude or bad tempered, often in a childish or immature way. "Peevish" means grumpy and has the same connotation of childishness, "feckless" means cowardly or incompetent, "fastidious" means careful and neat, "quiescent" means agreeable, and "mendacious" means lying.
Example Question #664 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CRESTFALLEN
Miserly
Ebullient
Lifeless
Dejected
Ruffled
Dejected
"Crestfallen" means dejected, feeling sad, disappointed and hopeless. To provide further help, "lifeless" means without life; "miserly" means stingy, not inclined to spend money; "ebullient" means enthusiastic; "ruffled" means disturbed.
Example Question #665 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ENERVATING
Placating
Invigorating
Tiring
Demoralizing
Brandishing
Tiring
"Enervating" means tiring, causing one to feel drained of energy. It is opposite in meaning to "invigorating" which means energizing. To provide further help, to "brandish" means to flourish or wave around; "demoralizing" means taking away morale, making one feel less enthusiastic; "placating" means soothing, comforting.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.
VULNERABLE
susceptible
veteran
painstaking
morose
susceptible
Vulnerable means susceptible to physical or emotional harm.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.
RETICENT
quick
medical
entertaining
reserved
reserved
Reticent means not readily revealing thoughts or feelings, or reserved.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Answer the following sample question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
URBANE
metropolitan
urgent
succinct
cultured
resolute
cultured
"Urbane" means cultured or civilized. "Metropolitan" means urban or concerning a city. "Urgent" means needing immediate attention. "Resolute" means determined or strong-willed. "Succinct" means short and to the point.
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
AFFABLE
comical
untrue
genial
wealthy
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 #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
CAPRICIOUS
erratic
generous
superstitious
captivating
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).
Certified Tutor
Certified Tutor
All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
