Parts of Speech in One-Blank Sentences - ISEE Upper Level Verbal Reasoning

The structure of the sentence indicates that the grandmother did not like her grandchildren's behavior. Look for an answer that means dislike or even hate. Of the answer choices, only "abhorred" has the appropriate meaning.

"Constrained" means restricted. Restricted by his belief in nonviolence, Gandhi knew he had to find another way to achieve his goals.

"Kudos" means congratulations or praise. "Chagrin" means displeasure or annoyance. "Edict" means a pronouncement or order. "Acumen" means ability to understand or reason, acuity, or ingenuity. "Maxim" means a saying or a proverb.

Although it might seem that a rigid schedule is difficult, we cannot imply that directly. The word “regimented” best fits the needs of this sentence, meaning “strictly organized in a strict schedule.” The word is related to a number of words for “ruling” such as “regal,” “regent,” and “regalia.”

Since the librarian wants information that is accurate in students' papers, she most likely reminds students to choose credible or trustworthy sources.

This question asks for a word that means that Julie had the ability to do well. The word closest in meaning to ability is competence.

The key thing to note in this sentence is that Timothy is showing no interest in anything at all. A person who has little interest is best described as being “apathetic,” a word that literally means “having now emotions.” The “a-” prefix is here a negative prefix meaning “not,” while “pathetic” comes from Greek roots meaning “feeling” or even “suffering.” It is related to words like “pathos,” “empathy,” “sympathy,” and “passion.”

Since Jerome’s appearance was stern, it is best to call it “austere.” The word distantly comes from Greek roots meaning “severe.” When one experiences “austerities,” he or she experiences “severe” conditions in the sense of having little means with which to support himself or herself. The word “austere” often has this sense as well, being used to indicate that something is very plain.

The opposition implied here is that the college president has living quarters that are very simple in comparison with his office and reception area. When something is “austere,” it is severe, often used in the sense of meaning that something is severely limited or not abundant and comfortable. It is in this latter sense that we often use the word “austerity.”

Although we might wish to mock the star-crossed lover by claiming that she was in a dreamy, half-conscious state, the sentence only can imply that she was in a state of joy; therefore, her smiling face matches her “blissful” state, a word meaning extremely happy or also blessed in a more religious or spiritual sense.

Since Robert likes to draw attention to himself with large ceremonies, he could be said to act “pompously.” In an older sense, “pomp” or a “pompous display” would merely mean a large and splendid event. However, the word often implies not only a grand style but likewise that it is meant to draw attention to the one showing said style.

Since Justine was said to develop her abilities, the implication in the opposition-indicating “although” clause is that she did not have these naturally. An “innate” ability is literally one that is “inborn” or natural. It comes from the Latin word for “to be born,” which is found in English words like “nativity” and “natal.”

Since Ronald’s lump was the result of a chance, external event, it was not a trait that he had naturally. The sentence clearly implies that the word needed must be opposed to the accidental manner by which he received the lump. Therefore, it is best said that people believed that it was an inborn characteristic.

The sentence is structured to create a contrast between the “chaotic” state of the family’s move and the period before their new jobs start. The correct choice will be a word that means something similar to calm or tranquil, and so the correct choice is "halcyon."

Although several options, like “importance” and perhaps even “gravity” are tempting here, the best option is “momentous.” A “momentous” event is one that is important, especially in having implications for the future. Because of the last subordinate clause, this is the best option.

The sentence calls for a word that describes the type of movements of a trapeze artist, specifically the ability to walk a tight rope or fly through the air. The word that most closely fits this description would be “nimble.”

"Probity" means honesty or integrity. "Philanthropy" means charity or generosity . "Guile" means slyness or cleverness. "Efficacy" means effectiveness or productiveness. "Anachronism" means error in time placement.

A white or light color in one’s cheeks is a symptom of sickness or ill-health, and “pallid” most closely means a paleness, typically attributed to poor health or sickness. The correct answer choice is "pallid."

People with doctorate degrees have had a large amount of education and knowledge. This would mean that they have an expertise in studying the brain. (The prefix "neuro" means brain).