ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #661 : Synonyms

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

PENSIVE

Possible Answers:

Contemplative

Disturbed

Annoyed

Confused

Distracted

Correct answer:

Contemplative

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Annoying

Beautiful

Obvious

Blank

Playful

Correct answer:

Playful

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Peevish

Fastidious

Mendacious

Feckless

Quiescent 

Correct answer:

Peevish

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Miserly

Ebullient

Lifeless

Dejected

Ruffled

Correct answer:

Dejected

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Placating

Invigorating

Tiring

Demoralizing

Brandishing

Correct answer:

Tiring

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

susceptible

veteran

painstaking

morose

Correct answer:

susceptible

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

quick

medical

entertaining

reserved

Correct answer:

reserved

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

metropolitan

urgent

succinct

cultured

resolute

Correct answer:

cultured

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

comical

untrue

genial

wealthy

Correct answer:

genial

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

erratic

generous

superstitious

captivating

Correct answer:

erratic

Explanation:

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).

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