Synonyms - ISEE Upper Level Verbal Reasoning

The word "resolute" is related to the same base words as "resolution" and "resolve." When we make "New Year's resolutions", we make up our minds that we are going to do some particular thing during the upcoming year. We strongly will to undertake these resolutions and at least intend to follow the path to their success without "turning aside". When someone has a resolute personality, that person is determined to succeed at whatever tasks he or she sets before himself or herself. Such a person could be called "steadfast", meaning determined or resolute.

The word "regal" comes from the Latin "rex, regis," which means king. Thus, it means king-like. "Regal" can mean either royal or magnificent, depending on the context. Here, the options only provide one acceptable option, namely "royal." The word "regal" is related to other words like "regicide" (the killing of a king) and "regalia" (the emblems used by a monarch).

"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.

"Cadge" and "scrounge" both mean to beg. "Antagonize" means to cause a problem or oppose. "Bungle" means to blunder or mess up. "Confound" means to confuse or astonish. "Incite" means to encourage or provoke.

"Quibble" and "bicker" both mean to disagree over a minor point. "Concur" means to agree or approve. "Denigrate" means to belittle or malign. "Importune" means to demand or insist. "Whet" means to make sharp or hone.

"Renege" and "default" both mean to go back on one's word. "Nettle" means to provoke or upset. "Bemoan" means to express sorrow. "Embezzle" means to steal money, often from an employer. "Redress" means to change or rectify.

"Expostulate" and "remonstrate" both mean to reason with or argue. "Enervate" means to tire or wear out. "Expunge" means to destroy or obliterate. "Impinge" means to trespass or encroach. "Obfuscate" means to confuse or baffle.

To "ruminate" means to think carefully and deliberately about (something). So the best possible answer choice is "ponder" which has the same meaning. To provide further help, "abscond" means run away with; "meander" means to move in a winding manner, like a river.

To "hoodwink" someone means to deceive or trick him or her. To provide further help, "cajole" means encourage; "extol" means praise; "tantalize" means tease.

"Insinuate" means to suggest. To provide further help, "comprehend" means understand; "abhor" means detest, hate; "deplore" means speak badly of, to disparage; "explicate" means to free from.

"Sate" and "gratify" both mean satisfy. As for the other answer choices, "abstain" means hold back from doing; "quaff" means drink down or gulp; "drawl" means lengthen or draw out; and "vindicate" means prove one's innocence.

"Kindle" means to light on fire, to ignite. To provide further help, "ridicule" means mock, make fun of; "defer" means postpone, put off, allow someone else to take charge; "abscond" means run away, usually run away with.

"Reverberate" means to echo, to rebound and re-sound. To provide further help, "recoil" means step back from in fear or disgust; "formulate" means come up with; "scrutinize" means carefully examine.

To "cleave" something means to cut in half, to split something. To provide further help, "enhance" and "augment" are synonyms, both words mean to make something better by adding to it.

To "pilfer" something means to steal, to plunder. To provide further help, "comprehend" means understand; "acquire" means get.

To "ruffle" means to disarrange, to disturb, to mess up. To provide further help, "imply" means suggest. To "postpone" something is to put that thing off for later. To "encourage" is to support or pump up.

The word "meticulous" describes someone who is very careful about details. The best option among those provided is "fastidious," which means nearly the same thing. For a pairing like this, it is just necessary to know the vocabulary words in order to answer the question correctly.

"Unctuous" means excessively ingratiating, fawning, someone who debases themselves for someone else's approval. To provide further help, "abstruse" means hard to understand; "obtuse" means dim-witted, not smart; "acute" means sharp, quick-witted; "nominal" means insignificant.

Someone who is "craven" is cowardly and pathetic. To provide further help, "miserly" and "parsimonious" are synonyms, both words mean stingy, not generous with money. Finally, "haughty" means arrogant, bold and disdainful towards others.