All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
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
Destitute
Generous
Greedy
Frugal
Poor
Frugal
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
Amiable
Fecund
Prolific
Miserly
Thrifty
Thrifty
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
Faithful
Forgetful
Pompous
Fanatic
Arrogant
Faithful
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
Stubborn
Passive
Condescending
Aggressive
Amiable
Aggressive
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
Tenacious
Opaque
Wary
Cantankerous
Mirthful
Cantankerous
"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
Abashed
Mundane
Cloying
Munificent
Frigid
Cloying
"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
Talented
Amazing
Famous
Wasteful
Gluttonous
Wasteful
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
Barefaced
Complaisant
Astute
Arrogant
Effluent
Astute
"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
Underneath
Detached
Military
Overbearing
Abashed
Overbearing
“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
Wily
Abject
Dextrous
Benign
Gregarious
Dextrous
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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All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
