All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #661 : Synonyms
Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
AFFABLE
wealthy
untrue
genial
comical
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 #445 : Identifying Synonyms
Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
CAPRICIOUS
superstitious
captivating
erratic
generous
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).
Example Question #2381 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
BENIGN
stygian
injurious
malignant
benevolent
unkempt
benevolent
"Benign" and "benevolent" both mean kindly or favorable. "Unkempt" means shabby or sloppy. "Injurious" means hurtful or destructive. "Malignant" means diseased or cancerous. "Stygian" means dark or shadowy.
Example Question #2382 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
WILLFUL
arboreal
nonplussed
abysmal
obstinate
noisome
obstinate
"Willful" and "obstinate" both mean stubborn or headstrong. "Abysmal" means to a great extent or immeasurable. "Noisome" means immoral, bad, or offensive. "Arboreal" means pertaining to trees. "Nonplussed" means confused.
Example Question #71 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
QUIXOTIC
idealistic
cynical
pragmatic
demure
cogent
idealistic
"Quixotic" and "idealistic" both mean foolishly dreamy. "Cynical" means nonbelieving or doubtful. "Pragmatic" means sensible or efficient. "Demure" means reserved or affected. "Cogent" means effective or compelling.
Example Question #2381 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
FORBEARING
impotent
stolid
garish
tolerant
intrepid
tolerant
"Forbearing" and "tolerant" both mean forgiving or moderate. "Impotent" means disabled or unable to perform an action. "Garish" means flashy or tasteless. "Intrepid" means brave or nervy. "Stolid" means apathetic or stupid.
Example Question #2382 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
GARRULOUS
Talkative
Bizarre
Pleasurable
Considerate
Imminent
Talkative
"Garrulous" means talkative, so "talkative" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "garrulous": "bizarre" means strange or very odd "Cocnsiderate" means thoughtful or considering the feelings and thoughts of other people; "pleasurable" means giving one pleasure; and "imminent" means impending or close to occurring.
Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DOUR
grim
dilapidated
impartial
ecstatic
banal
grim
"Dour" is an adjective that refers to someone's manner or appearance and has a few different meanings, including gloomy and austere. While "dilapidated" sounds like it might be a good answer choice, it means in poor condition due to having been neglected over time—not quite what we're looking for. "Grim," on the other hand, can mean somber or gloomy and is the closest in meaning to "dour," so it is the best answer choice.
Example Question #2383 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PRUDENT
deceptive
critical
judicious
judgmental
sly
judicious
The word “prudent” has perhaps received a bad sense in its standard usage by most English-speakers. One will at times speak of “prudent” people who know how to work things to their gain. For instance, someone might be called “prudent” for keeping silent about opinions instead of insulting someone who might give him or her a job; however, the word “prudent” is of much nobler origins, meaning discerning or even wise in practical action. For this reason, among the options provided, the best option is “judicious,” meaning judging well. This meaning will cover the more negative uses but likewise applies to the nobler notions of “prudence.”
Example Question #2384 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CAPRICIOUS
Fickle
Dreary
Reverent
Ephemeral
Insolent
Fickle
"Capricious" means changing one's mood in a fickle, unpredictable manner, so the answer choice that is its best synonym is "fickle," or changing frequently.
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All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
