All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #611 : Synonyms
Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.
IMPERVIOUS
Incessant
Delectable
Impenetrable
Conceited
Porous
Impenetrable
"Impervious" means not able to be penetrated, so "impenetrable," which also means unable to be penetrated, is the correct answer. "Porous" is an antonym of "impervious"; it means having holes through which things can pass. None of the other answer choices are related in meaning to "impervious": "conceited" means self-centered or full of oneself; "incessant" means continual or without pause or break; and "delectable" means tasty or delicious.
Example Question #612 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SHINY
Alluring
Abhorrent
Dull
Persistent
Glossy
Glossy
"Shiny" is an adjective that means bright or glossy in appearance. "Glossy" is therefore the best choice, since it is a part of the definition of "shiny." Considering the other choices, "dull" is an antonym of "shiny" that means lacking polish or color, "alluring" means very attractive, "abhorrent" means detestable, and "persistent" means dogged and resolute when referring to a person lasting for a long time when referring to things.
Example Question #613 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
NOXIOUS
Innocuous
Poisonous
Habitable
Hospitable
Fragrant
Poisonous
“Noxious” means toxic or "poisonous." “Innocuous” means harmless; “hospitable” means welcoming; "habitable" refers to areas and means able to support life; and "fragrant" means having a pleasant smell.
Example Question #614 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ODIOUS
Meddlesome
Repellent
Endearing
Attractive
Coherent
Repellent
“Odious” means disgusting, repulsive, or "repellent." As for the other answer choices, “endearing” means causing others to feel affection for one in one's interactions with them; “attractive” means good-looking; “coherent” means able to be understood and making sense; and “meddlesome” means interfering or getting in the way.
Example Question #615 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
OPULENT
Foreboding
Luxurious
Penitent
Indiscriminate
Disconcerting
Luxurious
“Opulent” means luxurious, extravagant and very fancy, or financially rich. As for the other answer choices, “foreboding” means ominous; “disconcerting” means troubling or worrying; “penitent” means showing regret and wanting forgiveness; “indiscriminate” means done at random, aimless, and arbitrary.
Example Question #616 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AUSTERE
Loyal
Lucid
Dire
Livid
Dour
Dour
“Austere” means severe and grim, so "dour," which means stern and solemn, is the correct answer. As for the other answer choices, “dire” means serious or terrible; “livid” means furious; “loyal” means faithful to a person, group, or cause; and “lucid” means clear and understandable.
Example Question #617 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INCONGRUOUS
Inappropriate
Discontinuous
Winsome
Apt
Self-serving
Inappropriate
“Incongruous” means out of place or "inappropriate." As for the other answer choices, “apt” means appropriate and right and is an antonym of "incongruous." “Discontinuous” means intermittent and containing gaps; “self-serving” means doing something to benefit only oneself; and “winsome” means charming.
Example Question #618 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FURTIVE
Passionate
Clear
Explicit
Hidden
Refulgent
Hidden
Several of the proposed answers attempt to get you to confuse "furtive" with "fervent." The latter word means passionate and fierce. The word "furtive" actually comes from the Latin word for "thief". A thief acts under the cover of darkness and behaves secretively. Thus, when something is "furtive" it is secret or hidden. Therefore, the best option among those provided is "hidden."
Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Appearance, Materiality, And Sensory Imagery
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DISMAL
Dreary
Inhumane
Economical
Mythical
Mutable
Dreary
The word "dismal" describes someone or something that is depressing, downcast, or gloomy. It can also describe something that appears dreary or gloomy—as when we say on a rainy day, "This is certainly some dismal weather!" Thus, the only appropriate option among those given is "dreary."
Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
BLARING
Indicative
Musical
Declarative
Strident
Irate
Strident
Often, we immediately associate the word "blaring" with an instrument like the trumpet. A "blaring trumpet" is one that is very loud. The word "blaring" does in fact mean very loud. Among the options provided, only one is related to sound in this way, namely "strident." This word can be used to describe someone who argues his or her position in a rather obnoxious way; however, its primary meaning describes something that is loud and harsh sounding as is the case with something that is blaring.
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All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
