ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives and Adverbs

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #121 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

THRIFTY

Possible Answers:

Destitute

Generous

Greedy

Frugal

Poor

Correct answer:

Frugal

Explanation:

A thrifty person is very careful not to waste resources. While it might be tempting to assume that such a person is greedy or avaricious, the word only expresses the fact that he or she “pinches pennies,” that is, is very careful with any outlays. Note that someone can be “thrifty” with any resources, though the term is most often used to describe care with regard to money. The word “frugal” is the only option that expresses this notion of thrift.

Example Question #2432 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

FRUGAL

Possible Answers:

Amiable

Fecund

Prolific

Miserly

Thrifty

Correct answer:

Thrifty

Explanation:

The word “frugal” is related to base words in Latin for “fruit.” It means “being economical” or careful with resources. When someone is “thrifty,” he or she is careful in spending money. A “thrift store” is generally a second-hand store meant to allow people to save money on products that can be purchased at a lower-than-normal price because they are second hand.

Example Question #2433 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

STAUNCH

Possible Answers:

Faithful

Forgetful

Pompous

Fanatic

Arrogant

Correct answer:

Faithful

Explanation:

The word “staunch” has two meanings. One of them is “faithful” or “devoted.” This is the sense that is found here among the options provided. You might often hear the expression “staunch supporter.” Such a person is not an occasional supporter but instead is one that stands with whatever the cause / person is “come thick or thin.” The word can also mean “to stop the blood coming from a wound.”

Example Question #2434 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

BELLIGERENT

Possible Answers:

Stubborn

Passive

Condescending

Aggressive

Amiable

Correct answer:

Aggressive

Explanation:

Typically, someone who is hostile and aggressive is characterized as belligerent.

Example Question #2435 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

IRASCIBLE

Possible Answers:

Tenacious

Opaque

Wary

Cantankerous

Mirthful

Correct answer:

Cantankerous

Explanation:

"Irascible" means cantankerous or crabby. "Tenacious" means strong-willed or determined. "Wary" means careful or cautious"Opaque" means clouded, muddy, or hard to understand. "Mirthful" means merry or playful

Example Question #2436 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

SACCHARINE

Possible Answers:

Abashed

Mundane

Cloying

Munificent

Frigid

Correct answer:

Cloying

Explanation:

"Saccharine" means something cloying or sickeningly sweet. "Munificent" means generous or giving. "Abashed" means confused or embarassed. "Mundane" means ordinary or humdrum. "Frigid" means frozen or exceptionally cold.

Example Question #2437 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning

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

PRODIGAL

Possible Answers:

Talented

Amazing

Famous

Wasteful

Gluttonous

Correct answer:

Wasteful

Explanation:

You might confuse “prodigal” with “prodigy” or “prodigious.” The former means “being very talented,” especially when that person is very young. For instance, one can speak of Mozart as being a “child prodigy,” having shown great musical talent from his youth. Something “prodigious” is impressive and of great magnitude. When something is “prodigal,” it is “great” in the sense of being wasteful. The Biblical story about the “Prodigal Son” is about a son who spends all of his money wastefully before coming home to seek forgiveness. He is called “prodigal” because of this wastefulness.

Example Question #121 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

SAGACIOUS

Possible Answers:

Barefaced

Complaisant

Astute

Arrogant

Effluent

Correct answer:

Astute

Explanation:

"Sagacious" and "astute" both mean smart or judicious. "Arrogant" means haughty or overly proud. "Barefaced" means shameless or open. "Complaisant" means agreeable or easy-going. "Effluent" means drainage or outflow

Example Question #122 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

IMPERIOUS

Possible Answers:

Underneath

Detached

Military

Overbearing

Abashed

Correct answer:

Overbearing

Explanation:

“Imperious” means overbearing, domineering, and assertive, so "overbearing" is the correct answer.  “Underneath” means under or beneath; “detached” means not connected to when describing physical objects and dispassionate when describing people; “abashed” means embarrassed; and "military" means having to do with a country's official armed forces.

Example Question #122 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs

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

DEFT

Possible Answers:

Wily

Abject

Dextrous

Benign

Gregarious

Correct answer:

Dextrous

Explanation:

Because "deft" means "neatly skillful and quick in one's movements," we're looking for a word that means "skillful" and specifically has to do with physical movement. While "wily" does involve skill, it does not refer to physical skill, but instead means "skilled at gaining an advantage, especially deceitfully." Dextrous, on the other hand, means "demonstrating neat skill, especially with one's hands," and is the closest synonym to "deft" of the listed answer choices.

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