All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #71 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
JUDICIOUS
Tribunal
Legal
Illicit
Prudent
Rhetorical
Prudent
The word “judicious” is related to “judgment,” but do not let that lead you to the law-related words like “legal,” “illicit,” and “tribunal.” When someone is “judicious,” he or she has and exercises “good judgment.” Such a person could be called “prudent,” meaning he or she is wise in a practical manner.
Example Question #72 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
CAPRICIOUS
Predictable
Condescending
Amusing
Planned
Impulsive
Impulsive
"Capricious" means unpredictable, so both planned and predictable are incorrect, because they are antonyms for capricious. "Condescending" means to lower in position, and "amusing" involves humor, so the best answer choice is "impulsive."
Example Question #73 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
OSTENTATIOUS
Pedantic
Mellifluous
Conspicuous
Resolute
Pejorative
Conspicuous
"Ostentatious" means conspicuous, flashy, or showy. "Mellifluous" means smooth and sweet-sounding. "Pedantic" means overly-precise or bookish. "Pejorative" means negative or belittling. "Resolute" means determined or strong-willed.
Example Question #2391 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
QUIXOTIC
Humorous
Quotidian
Literary
Idealistic
Potential
Idealistic
"Quixotic" is an adjective that means "exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical" and derives from Cervantes's literary character Don Quixote. While "quotidian" may look like a potentially correct answer choice simply because both "quixotic" and "quotidian" begin with "q," "quotidian" means "of or occurring every day," so it cannot be the correct answer. "Idealistic," which means "characterized by idealism; unrealistically aiming for perfection," is the best answer choice because it is closest in meaning to "quixotic."
Example Question #82 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PLACID
Complaining
Levelheaded
Jovial
Compliant
Harried
Levelheaded
"Placid" is an adjective meaning either "not easily upset or excited" when used to describe a person or animal and "calm and peaceful, with little movement or activity" when describing a place or stretch of water. "Levelheaded," an adjective that means "calm and sensible," is the answer choice closest in meaning to "placid," so it is the correct answer.
Example Question #83 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MOROSE
Prolific
Virtuous
Conventional
Gloomy
Recondite
Gloomy
A "morose" person is of a sullen temperament, often negative and depressing to be around. Among the options provided, the only decent synonym is “gloomy.” The words “conventional” and especially “virtuous” might tempt you given that “morose” looks like “moral.” While it actually is distantly related to these other words, do not be tricked so easily!
Example Question #84 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FRACTIOUS
Irritable
Shimmery
Broken
Ephemeral
Grandiose
Irritable
"Fractious" means "irritable" and quarrelsome.
Example Question #21 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FATUOUS
Brazen
Dull
Portly
Bright
Worrisome
Dull
The word "fatuous" is an adjective that means foolish or lacking wit. "Dull," which can mean lacking wit, shares the same definition and is therefore the best answer choice. Considering the other choices, "bright" in this context is an antonym of "fatuous" since it can mean intelligent. "Portly" means heavy or fat.
Example Question #85 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
GLIB
Crass
Portable
Pivot
Dumbfounded
Smooth-talking
Smooth-talking
A person who is "glib" is smooth-talking, meaning they are able to speak well. The best choice is thus "smooth-talking," since it is part of the definition of "glib." Considering the other choices, "crass" means rude or gross, "dumbfounded" means astonished, "pivotal" means crucial or important, and "portable" means able to be transported easily.
Example Question #86 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
COMBATIVE
Obedient
Torrid
Battle
Disruptive
Masterful
Disruptive
"Combative" is an adjective that means ready to fight. The best choice is "quarrelsome," since it holds a similar meaning of ready to argue. Considering the other choices, "obedient" is an antonym which means complying with authority, "masterful" means skillful, "torrid" means very hot and arid, or passionate when describing a romantic relationship.
All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
