All ISEE Upper Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States
FORLORN
Miserable
Ecstatic
Significant
Informed
Arrogant
Miserable
"Forlorn" means miserable or sad. "Ecstatic" is the antonym; it means extremely happy. "Arrogant" means conceited or full of oneself. "Informed" means having knowledge or information regarding a topic. "Significant" means important or noteworthy.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SENSATIONAL
Visible
Condemned
Available
Apparent
Astonishing
Astonishing
The word “sensational” does not mean merely able to be seen or something related to being sensed. Instead, it means astonishing and often shocking. When used in the latter sense, it has the connotation of causing scandal or moral judgment. The use of the word for “astonishing” can be seen in a sentence like, “The circus performance was sensational—filled with dangerous lions, fiery pits, and an eight-hundred-foot-long snake.” In the latter sense, one could say, “The crime was so sensational that its details filled the newspaper for three months.”
Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ACRIMONIOUS
Relative
Delightful
Monotonous
Caustic
Well-spoken
Caustic
"Acrimonious" is an adjective that means "angry and bitter" and is used in particular of speech or a debate. So, we need to pick out an adjective that means something like "bitter" and refers to speech. While "well-spoken" might refer to speech, it does not mean "angry and bitter," so it cannot be the correct answer. "Caustic," however, is an adjective that can mean "able to burn or corrode organic tissue by chemical action" or "sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way." Because the second definition of "caustic" is similar to the meaning of "acrimonious," "caustic" is the correct answer.
Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PLACID
Troubled
Calm
Cheerful
Turbulent
Sociable
Calm
For something to be described as placid, it means it is calm and tranquil. For example, someone with a placid disposition is calm and peaceful in nature.
Example Question #28 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DEMURE
Mean
Brazen
Shy
Qualified
Proud
Shy
"Demure" is an adjective that means "of a woman or her behavior: reserved, modest, and shy" or "of clothing: lending such an appearance." So, neither "brazen" nor "proud" can be the correct answer because each of those words are an antonym of "demure." Because "shy" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "demure," it is the correct answer.
Example Question #29 : Synonyms: Adjectives And Adverbs
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ARDENT
Passionate
Melodramatic
Antagonistic
Ablaze
Covetous
Passionate
An ardent statement means that is passionate and very enthusiastic.
Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
PETULANT
Florid
Extravagant
Sullen
Esoteric
Guileless
Sullen
"Petulant" and "sullen" both mean crabby or moody. "Guileless" means honest or forthright. "Florid" means very elaborate or decorative. "Extravagant" means indulgent or wasteful. "Esoteric" means mysterious or obscure.
Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
FERVENT
Intermittent
Dispassionate
Ardent
Apathetic
Virulent
Ardent
"Fervent" and "ardent" both mean devout or passionate. "Apathetic" means uncaring or disinterested. "Dispassionate" means unfeeling or impartial. "Intermittent" means irregular or sporadic. "Virulent" means poisonous or lethal.
Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CONTRITE
Remorseful
Supreme
Corporeal
Cerebral
Disingenuous
Remorseful
If you are “contrite,” it means you are honest about your feelings of regret and guilt over something you have done wrong. This is very similar in meaning to “remorseful.” “Disingenuous” means not candid or insincere and dishonest; “supreme” means best of all; “corporeal” means relating to the body; and “cerebral” means relating to the mind or, when used to describe a person, intelligent.
Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ECSTASY
Demeanor
Confusion
Memory
Joy
Sorrow
Joy
“Ecstasy” is a feeling of deep joy and happiness, so "joy" is the best answer. As for the other answer choices, “sorrow" is an antonym of “ecstasy” and means deep sadness; and "demeanor" means manner or appearance.
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