Adjectives and Adverbs in One-Blank Sentences - ISEE Upper Level Verbal Reasoning
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Devin was a particularly grave child, often finding his peers’ idea of enjoyment to be merely .
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Devin was a particularly grave child, often finding his peers’ idea of enjoyment to be merely .
Often, we think of the adjective “grave” as meaning that someone is ill-tempered or “grumpy;” however, its most proper meaning is “serious” or perhaps even “solemn.” According to this meaning, the sentence implies (by using the word “merely”) an opposition between such gravity and the attitude of Devin’s peers. When something is “frivolous,” it appears to be utterly unserious, which would indeed be a fitting opposite to Devin’s grave manner.
Often, we think of the adjective “grave” as meaning that someone is ill-tempered or “grumpy;” however, its most proper meaning is “serious” or perhaps even “solemn.” According to this meaning, the sentence implies (by using the word “merely”) an opposition between such gravity and the attitude of Devin’s peers. When something is “frivolous,” it appears to be utterly unserious, which would indeed be a fitting opposite to Devin’s grave manner.
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The historian of the Middle Ages believed that everything modern was an version of some more profound and fruitful reality found in the earlier age.
The historian of the Middle Ages believed that everything modern was an version of some more profound and fruitful reality found in the earlier age.
The historian is contrasting the “profound and fruitful reality” of the Middle Ages with what he must take to be the less fruitful nature of modernity. The best option is therefore “impoverished,” which implies a loss of “fruitfulness,” “productivity,” or more generally “strength or vitality.” The other options do not directly capture this notion of a loss of vigor.
The historian is contrasting the “profound and fruitful reality” of the Middle Ages with what he must take to be the less fruitful nature of modernity. The best option is therefore “impoverished,” which implies a loss of “fruitfulness,” “productivity,” or more generally “strength or vitality.” The other options do not directly capture this notion of a loss of vigor.
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Many people thought the water in the cistern was , when in fact it had been filled with infusions of the deadly ebola virus.
Many people thought the water in the cistern was , when in fact it had been filled with infusions of the deadly ebola virus.
The contrast here is between being potentially deadly and healthy (or at least “not deadly”). Note, it is not a contrast between “clean and unclean” or “clean and dirty.” The word “innocuous” means “not harmful.” Being derived from the Latin for “harmful,” it is related to English words like “inoculate” and “noxious.” The “in-” prefix here means “not.”
The contrast here is between being potentially deadly and healthy (or at least “not deadly”). Note, it is not a contrast between “clean and unclean” or “clean and dirty.” The word “innocuous” means “not harmful.” Being derived from the Latin for “harmful,” it is related to English words like “inoculate” and “noxious.” The “in-” prefix here means “not.”
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Todd would rarely approach his mother with requests, for he knew that his father would rarely deny what he wanted.
Todd would rarely approach his mother with requests, for he knew that his father would rarely deny what he wanted.
The key thing to note in this sentence is that Todd’s father would rarely deny his requests. Therefore, the best option for the needed word is “lenient,” which means “permissive” or sometimes “forgiving.” Here, it is the first meaning that fits best. The word comes from the Latin for “mild or gentle” and is found in other English words like “leniency” and “lenitude.” (The latter, rather strange, word means “the characteristic of being lenient.” We could speak of “the lenitude of Todd’s father.”).
The key thing to note in this sentence is that Todd’s father would rarely deny his requests. Therefore, the best option for the needed word is “lenient,” which means “permissive” or sometimes “forgiving.” Here, it is the first meaning that fits best. The word comes from the Latin for “mild or gentle” and is found in other English words like “leniency” and “lenitude.” (The latter, rather strange, word means “the characteristic of being lenient.” We could speak of “the lenitude of Todd’s father.”).
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Michael had expected his father to be about the accident but was pleasantly surprised to discover that he was particularly calm and understanding.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Michael had expected his father to be about the accident but was pleasantly surprised to discover that he was particularly calm and understanding.
In opposition to being calm and understanding, Michael must have expected his father to be very angry about the accident. In that case, his father could have been said to be “livid,” meaning “extremely angry” or “furious.” The word “livid” has a strange history that cannot be traced briefly, but it is related the Latin for “blue or blue-gray” (a meaning retained in English as well). Although the relationship is not this simple, it can help you to remember this by thinking of the blue-red face of someone who is very angry.
In opposition to being calm and understanding, Michael must have expected his father to be very angry about the accident. In that case, his father could have been said to be “livid,” meaning “extremely angry” or “furious.” The word “livid” has a strange history that cannot be traced briefly, but it is related the Latin for “blue or blue-gray” (a meaning retained in English as well). Although the relationship is not this simple, it can help you to remember this by thinking of the blue-red face of someone who is very angry.
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Kevin was not known for making arguments, for his sentences were often labyrinthine, obscure masses of confusion.
Kevin was not known for making arguments, for his sentences were often labyrinthine, obscure masses of confusion.
The contrast here is between obscurity and clarity. When something or someone is “lucid,” he or she is able to express ideas or thoughts in a clear manner. The word actually comes from base words for “light,” which are found in English relatives like “lucent,” “translucent,” and even “Lucifer” (the so-called “light bearing angel” who later fell from grace, according to Christian tradition).
The contrast here is between obscurity and clarity. When something or someone is “lucid,” he or she is able to express ideas or thoughts in a clear manner. The word actually comes from base words for “light,” which are found in English relatives like “lucent,” “translucent,” and even “Lucifer” (the so-called “light bearing angel” who later fell from grace, according to Christian tradition).
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Paula thought that her brother’s appearance was , with his multi-colored socks, large wig, and his ridiculous top hat.
Paula thought that her brother’s appearance was , with his multi-colored socks, large wig, and his ridiculous top hat.
The key word in this sentence is “ridiculous,” which helps to give a sense to what Paula must have thought about the other strange aspects of her brother’s appearance. When something is “ridiculous,” it is not only strange but even more literally is “amusing” or “laughable.” (The word “ridicule” is related to “ridiculous,” both coming from the Latin for “to laugh.”) The word “ludicrous” often means “ridiculous.” It is derived from Latin roots for “to play” or “game.” A “prelude” is a piece of music “played” (in the general, non-game sense) before (“pre-”) the main concert piece.
The key word in this sentence is “ridiculous,” which helps to give a sense to what Paula must have thought about the other strange aspects of her brother’s appearance. When something is “ridiculous,” it is not only strange but even more literally is “amusing” or “laughable.” (The word “ridicule” is related to “ridiculous,” both coming from the Latin for “to laugh.”) The word “ludicrous” often means “ridiculous.” It is derived from Latin roots for “to play” or “game.” A “prelude” is a piece of music “played” (in the general, non-game sense) before (“pre-”) the main concert piece.
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Patrick was eager to start his diet until he realized how his meals would be in order to reduce his caloric intake.
Patrick was eager to start his diet until he realized how his meals would be in order to reduce his caloric intake.
The only real clue in this sentence is the fact that Patrick’s eagerness was diminished due to the fact that the meals would have to have a greatly reduced caloric intake. Therefore, the best option will be one that merely captures that sense of “reduction,” without introducing other elements unnecessarily. The word “meager” does just this, meaning that something lacks quantity or is thin. In German, the word “mager,” means “lean” or “thin.”
The only real clue in this sentence is the fact that Patrick’s eagerness was diminished due to the fact that the meals would have to have a greatly reduced caloric intake. Therefore, the best option will be one that merely captures that sense of “reduction,” without introducing other elements unnecessarily. The word “meager” does just this, meaning that something lacks quantity or is thin. In German, the word “mager,” means “lean” or “thin.”
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although Frederick thought his work was quite an accomplishment, in reality it was at best.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Although Frederick thought his work was quite an accomplishment, in reality it was at best.
The opposition here is between accomplished or exemplary work and work that would be considered “run of the mill” or average. When something is “mediocre,” it is not necessarily poor in quality (though we often think of the term in that manner). Most properly speaking, it is merely of “middling” or average quality—the “middle” sense being easily seen in the “medi-” with which the word begins. Think here of related words like “mediate” and “medieval.”
The opposition here is between accomplished or exemplary work and work that would be considered “run of the mill” or average. When something is “mediocre,” it is not necessarily poor in quality (though we often think of the term in that manner). Most properly speaking, it is merely of “middling” or average quality—the “middle” sense being easily seen in the “medi-” with which the word begins. Think here of related words like “mediate” and “medieval.”
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Baron Johann von Wulf assured his subordinates that he reached his position only by taking care that no detail ever be overlooked in any undertaking.
Baron Johann von Wulf assured his subordinates that he reached his position only by taking care that no detail ever be overlooked in any undertaking.
The key phrase here is “that no detail be overlooked . . .” While one could say that the Baron had excellent or perhaps even overweening care, the sentence most directly implies that he too exceptional care about details. The best option, therefore, is “meticulous,” which means to be precise and careful about every detail of something.
The key phrase here is “that no detail be overlooked . . .” While one could say that the Baron had excellent or perhaps even overweening care, the sentence most directly implies that he too exceptional care about details. The best option, therefore, is “meticulous,” which means to be precise and careful about every detail of something.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Not only was Matthew’s handwriting sloppy, it was also so that one needed to magnify it in order to read it.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Not only was Matthew’s handwriting sloppy, it was also so that one needed to magnify it in order to read it.
The key word here is “magnify,” which implies that Matthew’s handwriting was not merely sloppy but also small. The word “minuscule,” (often spelled “miniscule”), means “very small.” Clearly, it contains the root related to “mini-”, meaning “small;” however, the original usage was applied to small letters in Roman script (as opposed to forms of script that was written in capital letters or “uncials”).
The key word here is “magnify,” which implies that Matthew’s handwriting was not merely sloppy but also small. The word “minuscule,” (often spelled “miniscule”), means “very small.” Clearly, it contains the root related to “mini-”, meaning “small;” however, the original usage was applied to small letters in Roman script (as opposed to forms of script that was written in capital letters or “uncials”).
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Many believed that Douglas always acted in a calculated manner when, in fact, most of his choices were made in a manner.
Many believed that Douglas always acted in a calculated manner when, in fact, most of his choices were made in a manner.
The two most tempting words here are “whimsical” and “playful,” but it is only the former that fits best. In contrast to acting “in a calculated manner,” Douglas must act in a manner that is not very reflective and not based on much forethought. Although we often say that someone is whimsical when he or she is playful, this adjective can also be used in the sense of “acting on a whim,” that is, “acting on a sudden (perhaps inexplicable) change of mind.” Therefore, “whimsical” is the best option.
The two most tempting words here are “whimsical” and “playful,” but it is only the former that fits best. In contrast to acting “in a calculated manner,” Douglas must act in a manner that is not very reflective and not based on much forethought. Although we often say that someone is whimsical when he or she is playful, this adjective can also be used in the sense of “acting on a whim,” that is, “acting on a sudden (perhaps inexplicable) change of mind.” Therefore, “whimsical” is the best option.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The cartoon portrays human beings befriending dinosaurs, a historical and scientific implausibility.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The cartoon portrays human beings befriending dinosaurs, a historical and scientific implausibility.
A human being befriending a dinosaur is historically and scientifically incorrect, and "anachronistically" is the only answer choice that fits. “Anachronistically” means historically out of place.
A human being befriending a dinosaur is historically and scientifically incorrect, and "anachronistically" is the only answer choice that fits. “Anachronistically” means historically out of place.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The rain clouds overhead were , as all of the crops in Kansas were dry and dying.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The rain clouds overhead were , as all of the crops in Kansas were dry and dying.
The correct answer here is "auspicious" because the rain clouds were a symbol of something good to come, as they would nourish and save the crops. The rain clouds may have been short-lived ("ephemeral"), but that would not benefit the crops; the rain clouds certainly were not thorough and studious ("sedulous"), and they may have appeared "menacing," but again, their menacing appearance would have no impact on the dry nature of the crops.
The correct answer here is "auspicious" because the rain clouds were a symbol of something good to come, as they would nourish and save the crops. The rain clouds may have been short-lived ("ephemeral"), but that would not benefit the crops; the rain clouds certainly were not thorough and studious ("sedulous"), and they may have appeared "menacing," but again, their menacing appearance would have no impact on the dry nature of the crops.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Ever since he could utter his first word, Phillip has been a(n) person; he is never short of words.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Ever since he could utter his first word, Phillip has been a(n) person; he is never short of words.
The key phrase is “never short of words.” The semicolon here links two independent clauses of similar meaning. “Loquacious” means talkative and is therefore the correct answer. "Outgoing" and "extroverted" both mean gregarious or to be fond of social interaction. Though close to the right answer, these are not as good a fit as "loquacious." Also, "outgoing" and "extroverted" have the same meaning and thus both can be eliminated. There cannot be two right answers to a test question.
The key phrase is “never short of words.” The semicolon here links two independent clauses of similar meaning. “Loquacious” means talkative and is therefore the correct answer. "Outgoing" and "extroverted" both mean gregarious or to be fond of social interaction. Though close to the right answer, these are not as good a fit as "loquacious." Also, "outgoing" and "extroverted" have the same meaning and thus both can be eliminated. There cannot be two right answers to a test question.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Despite all his efforts, Bobby was not able to achieve his personal goals, leaving him .
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Despite all his efforts, Bobby was not able to achieve his personal goals, leaving him .
The logic of this sentence requires a word that means “discouraged”. The introductory clause “despite all his efforts” is a key phrase. The word “crestfallen” means dejected or discouraged.
The logic of this sentence requires a word that means “discouraged”. The introductory clause “despite all his efforts” is a key phrase. The word “crestfallen” means dejected or discouraged.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Having traveled to many nations, the journalist had a(n) writing style.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Having traveled to many nations, the journalist had a(n) writing style.
The key phrase is “having traveled to many nations.” The word “eclectic” means embracing various or different sources.
The key phrase is “having traveled to many nations.” The word “eclectic” means embracing various or different sources.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Most people were impressed with George’s grasp of trivia, but Susan saw it as a mere parlor trick.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
Most people were impressed with George’s grasp of trivia, but Susan saw it as a mere parlor trick.
George’s knowledge of trivia is not something that everyone knows, ruling out both "common" and "popular." Susan’s dismissal of George’s knowledge indicates that it is also not "significant" or "useful," so "arcane" is the correct answer.
George’s knowledge of trivia is not something that everyone knows, ruling out both "common" and "popular." Susan’s dismissal of George’s knowledge indicates that it is also not "significant" or "useful," so "arcane" is the correct answer.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The author’s output tended to overshadow the poor quality of the majority of his work.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The author’s output tended to overshadow the poor quality of the majority of his work.
Here the word “poor” indicates that the author is not very good; therefore, he must have written a good amount of material if it overshadows the quality of the material. Only "prodigious" means in a great amount.
Here the word “poor” indicates that the author is not very good; therefore, he must have written a good amount of material if it overshadows the quality of the material. Only "prodigious" means in a great amount.
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Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The manner in which she gave to charity annoyed her more generous friends.
Choose the word or set of words that best completes the following sentence.
The manner in which she gave to charity annoyed her more generous friends.
A simple word replacement helps figure out the answer to this question. As the “more generous friends” are annoyed by the subject’s manner, then go through word by word for all the answer choices. "Parsimonious," which means stingy and tight with money, is the only choice that works.
A simple word replacement helps figure out the answer to this question. As the “more generous friends” are annoyed by the subject’s manner, then go through word by word for all the answer choices. "Parsimonious," which means stingy and tight with money, is the only choice that works.
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