All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DOUR
grim
banal
impartial
dilapidated
ecstatic
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 #31 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PRUDENT
sly
deceptive
judicious
judgmental
critical
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 #71 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CAPRICIOUS
Dreary
Fickle
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.
Example Question #72 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
JUDICIOUS
Tribunal
Legal
Rhetorical
Prudent
Illicit
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 #73 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.
CAPRICIOUS
Planned
Condescending
Predictable
Amusing
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 #11 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
OSTENTATIOUS
Pedantic
Mellifluous
Conspicuous
Pejorative
Resolute
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 #12 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
QUIXOTIC
Idealistic
Quotidian
Literary
Potential
Humorous
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 #2395 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PLACID
Jovial
Harried
Compliant
Levelheaded
Complaining
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
Gloomy
Conventional
Virtuous
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 #2391 : Isee Upper Level (Grades 9 12) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FRACTIOUS
Ephemeral
Shimmery
Broken
Grandiose
Irritable
Irritable
"Fractious" means "irritable" and quarrelsome.
Certified Tutor
Certified Tutor
All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
