ISEE Upper Level Verbal : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

VULNERABLE

Possible Answers:

veteran

susceptible

morose

painstaking

Correct answer:

susceptible

Explanation:

Vulnerable means susceptible to physical or emotional harm.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Choose the best synonym for the word in capital letters.

RETICENT

Possible Answers:

entertaining

medical

reserved

quick

Correct answer:

reserved

Explanation:

Reticent means not readily revealing thoughts or feelings, or reserved.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Answer the following sample question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.

URBANE

Possible Answers:

resolute

urgent

metropolitan

succinct

cultured

Correct answer:

cultured

Explanation:

"Urbane" means cultured or civilized. "Metropolitan" means urban or concerning a city. "Urgent" means needing immediate attention. "Resolute" means determined or strong-willed. "Succinct" means short and to the point.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.

AFFABLE

Possible Answers:

comical

wealthy

untrue

genial

Correct answer:

genial

Explanation:

Someone who is "affable" is easy to talk with and pleasant to be around. "Genial" best conveys this sense (a likable pageant contestant might be named "Miss Congeniality"—a related word).

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Select the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.

CAPRICIOUS

Possible Answers:

captivating

superstitious

erratic

generous

Correct answer:

erratic

Explanation:

Derived from an old Italian word that described one's hair standing on end in horror, "capricious" means subject to sudden, unpredictable changes (a prospect that might terrify someone who desires a more-predictable life). This is best expressed by the adjective "erratic." Do not confuse "capricious" with "propitious" (favorable).

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters. 

BENIGN

Possible Answers:

stygian

injurious

unkempt

malignant

benevolent

Correct answer:

benevolent

Explanation:

"Benign" and "benevolent" both mean kindly or favorable. "Unkempt" means shabby or sloppy. "Injurious" means hurtful or destructive. "Malignant" means diseased or cancerous. "Stygian" means dark or shadowy.

Example Question #3 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters. 

WILLFUL

Possible Answers:

abysmal

noisome

arboreal

obstinate

nonplussed

Correct answer:

obstinate

Explanation:

"Willful" and "obstinate" both mean stubborn or headstrong. "Abysmal" means to a great extent or immeasurable. "Noisome" means immoral, bad, or offensive. "Arboreal" means pertaining to trees. "Nonplussed" means confused.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.

QUIXOTIC

Possible Answers:

demure

cogent

cynical

idealistic

pragmatic

Correct answer:

idealistic

Explanation:

"Quixotic" and "idealistic" both mean foolishly dreamy. "Cynical" means nonbelieving or doubtful. "Pragmatic" means sensible or efficient. "Demure" means reserved or affected. "Cogent" means effective or compelling

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Answer the following question by selecting the word that is most nearly the same in meaning as the word in capital letters.

FORBEARING

Possible Answers:

intrepid

tolerant

garish

impotent

stolid

Correct answer:

tolerant

Explanation:

"Forbearing" and "tolerant" both mean forgiving or moderate. "Impotent" means disabled or unable to perform an action. "Garish" means flashy or tasteless. "Intrepid" means brave or nervy. "Stolid" means apathetic or stupid

Example Question #6 : Synonyms: Adjectives Describing Personality Traits

Synonyms: Select the one word or phrase whose meaning is closest to the word in capital letters.

GARRULOUS

Possible Answers:

Considerate

Talkative

Bizarre

Pleasurable

Imminent

Correct answer:

Talkative

Explanation:

"Garrulous" means talkative, so "talkative" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "garrulous": "bizarre" means strange or very odd "Cocnsiderate" means thoughtful or considering the feelings and thoughts of other people; "pleasurable" means giving one pleasure; and "imminent" means impending or close to occurring.

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