ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ISEE Upper Level Verbal

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Example Questions

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Emotional States

FORLORN

Possible Answers:

Miserable

Ecstatic

Significant

Informed

Arrogant

Correct answer:

Miserable

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Visible

Condemned

Available

Apparent

Astonishing

Correct answer:

Astonishing

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Relative

Delightful

Monotonous

Caustic

Well-spoken

Correct answer:

Caustic

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Troubled

Calm

Cheerful

Turbulent

Sociable

Correct answer:

Calm

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Mean

Brazen

Shy

Qualified

Proud

Correct answer:

Shy

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Passionate

Melodramatic

Antagonistic

Ablaze

Covetous

Correct answer:

Passionate

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Florid

Extravagant

Sullen

Esoteric

Guileless

Correct answer:

Sullen

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Intermittent

Dispassionate

Ardent

Apathetic

Virulent

Correct answer:

Ardent

Explanation:

"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

Possible Answers:

Remorseful

Supreme

Corporeal

Cerebral

Disingenuous

Correct answer:

Remorseful

Explanation:

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

Possible Answers:

Demeanor

Confusion

Memory

Joy

Sorrow

Correct answer:

Joy

Explanation:

“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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