All ISEE Lower Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #41 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DIVERGE
Preserve
Instruct
Split
Remain
Spoil
Split
The prefixes bi- and di- mean two. As in, "biweekly" which means happening every two weeks. "Diverge" means split, separate and go in different directions. It helps to think of it like "diverge" = to go in two different directions. Additionally, "remain" means stay; "spoil" means ruin; "preserve" means maintain, save something for future use; "instruct" can mean either order, tell or teach, educate.
Example Question #42 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
CHRONICLE
Record
Rush
Scatter
Amuse
Reproduce
Record
The prefix chron- means time. So, a "chronicle" is a record of events that have happened over time. Additionally, "amuse" means entertain, make laugh; "scatter" means spread out; "reproduce" means make another copy of or produce a child; "rush" means force something to happen too quickly.
Example Question #43 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ATYPICAL
Gullible
Earsplitting
Roomy
Tightfisted
Uncommon
Uncommon
The prefix a- means not. So, "atypical" means not typical, not normal, uncommon. Additionally, "tightfisted" means not generous with money, not likely to spend money; "earsplitting" means deafening, extremely loud; "gullible" means easily tricked into believing something, easily lied to; "roomy" means spacious, containing lots of room.
Example Question #44 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
COMMUNAL
Efficient
Tender
Shared
Vulgar
Remorseful
Shared
The prefix commu- means share. As in, "community" or "communism." So, "communal" means shared among a group. Additionally, "tender" means soft and delicate, caring; "remorseful" means feeling sorry for a wrongdoing; "vulgar" means rude and tasteless, lacking class; "efficient" means able to work quickly and correctly.
Example Question #45 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ACROBAT
Engineer
Academic
Omen
Chef
Gymnast
Gymnast
The prefix acro- means high. As in, "acropolis" which means city or building on a hill above a larger city. So, an "acrobat" is a high-flyer, otherwise known as a "gymnast." Additionally, an "omen" is a sign that warns about the future; a "chef" is someone who cooks food professionally; an "academic" is a scholar, someone who studies and teaches at a university; an "engineer" is someone who designs things for construction.
Example Question #46 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VOLUNTARY
Optional
Scarce
Invincible
Sore
Innocent
Optional
The prefix vol- means will. "Will" when used as a noun refers to a person's ability to do what they want to do. So, someone with "free will" is in control of his or her own life and can do what he or she wants to do. So, "voluntary" means done of one's own free will, optional, chosen. Additionally, "innocent" means not guilty; "invincible" means unstoppable, unable to be defeated; "scarce" means rare, in short supply; "sore" means in pain, hurting.
Example Question #47 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ULTRASENSITIVE
Swift
Temporary
Delicate
Fretful
Vigorous
Delicate
The prefix ultra- means above, beyond. As in, "ultrawide" which means very wide, beyond wide. So, "ultrasensitive" means very sensitive, beyond sensitive. This is closest in meaning to "delicate." Additionally, "temporary" means not permanent, not long-lasting; "swift" means quick, rapid; "fretful" means worried, upset, distressed; "vigorous" means healthy, strong, fit.
Example Question #48 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SUBPAR
Poor
Grand
Rare
Real
Fake
Poor
The prefix sub- means below. As in, "submarine" which is a ship that moves below the water. So, "subpar" means below average, of poor quality. You may have heard the word "par" used before to refer to average (such as in golf). Additionally, "grand" means great and spectacular.
Example Question #49 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
AGONY
Integrity
Pain
Talent
Matrimony
Humility
Pain
The prefix agon- means pain. As in "agonize" which means to stress and feel pain over a decision. So, "talent" is ability, skill; "humility" is modesty, lack of arrogance; "matrimony" means marriage; "integrity" means honesty, the quality of having strong principles.
Example Question #50 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
UNIVERSAL
Illegal
Adamant
Inconclusive
Regional
Worldwide
Worldwide
The prefix uni- means one. As in, "unicyle" which is sort of like a bicycle, but with one wheel. So, "universal" means the same everywhere, worldwide. It helps to think of it like this "universal" = one thing that is the same everywhere. Additionally, "regional" means local, found in one region; "illegal" means against the law; "adamant" means determined, refusing to change one's mind; "inconclusive" means not leading to a definite conclusion.