ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms: Using Roots to Identify Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #117 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

CONSPICUOUS

Possible Answers:

Famous

Renowned

Forgotten

Visible

Excellent

Correct answer:

Visible

Explanation:

The word "conspicuous" has a root that you might not see at first. The "-spic-" is related to the "spec-" that we find in "spectator" and "spectacle." A "spectator" is someone who watches an event (perhaps a sports game). A "spectacle" is something very visible—a massive event, so large that it is very visible. Likewise, "spectacles" are glasses that someone wears—things helping you to see. When something is "conspicuous," it is not at all hidden. The "con-" prefix does not mean with or among like it does in other words. Here, it merely means very. Something "conspicuous" is very visible.  Among our options, however, "visible" is the only appropriate answer.  This is a fine synonym, given the other answers. 

Note that while something "conspicuous" could become famous (since it is so easily seen), the word "conspicuous" does not itself designate such fame. It merely deals with being able to be seen.

Example Question #118 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

ANALYZE

Possible Answers:

Discuss

Reflect

Invigorate

Synthesize

Examine

Correct answer:

Examine

Explanation:

The word "analysis" comes from Greek roots meaning to break apart. The analysis of a sentence provides an overview of all its parts—it breaks it apart and shows the parts for what they are. The activity of producing such an "analysis" is called "analyzing." This is the opposite of "synthesizing," which is the activity of putting together multiple things into a single whole. We "synthesize" material when we bring it together to make an argument and, likewise, "synthesize" chemicals when we create them out of their parts. An "examination" is a thorough review of the details of something, somewhat like an analysis. Therefore, among the options provided, "examine" is the best synonym for "analyze." Note, that while you might discuss something while analyzing it, this is not necessary. (You can always analyze something by yourself, without discussion.)

Example Question #119 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

SEVER

Possible Answers:

Cut

Increase

Aid

Fix

Sprint

Correct answer:

Cut

Explanation:

The prefix "sev-" or "sec-" often relates to cutting, so it makes sense that the word “sever” means to cut one thing off of another completely. The word “sprint” means to run quickly; the word “fix” means to mend or repair something; and the word “aid” means help.

Example Question #120 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

SANCTUARY

Possible Answers:

School

Wilderness

Adventure

Shelter

Prison

Correct answer:

Shelter

Explanation:

The word "sanctuary" includes the root "sanct-," which is from the Greek for "holy." "Sanctuary" originally referred to a religious place of worship where people could not be arrested for certain crimes. Since then, the word's meaning has shifted to be more general, and today it is used to mean a place that offers comfort or shelter, sometimes associated with a particular religious group, so "shelter" is the correct answer.

Example Question #11 : Synonyms: Using Roots To Identify Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

ABDUCT

Possible Answers:

Exceed

Praise

Kidnap

Demonstrate

Accord

Correct answer:

Kidnap

Explanation:

The prefix "ab-" can mean away, so it makes sense that "abduct" means kidnap, as kidnapping someone can be thought of carrying them away without their permission. As for the other answer choices, “praise” means to say something nice about someone; “demonstrate” means show or, more specifically, show by doing; “exceed” means go beyond or do more than is necessary; and “accord” means agree or not argue.

Example Question #12 : Synonyms: Using Roots To Identify Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

PATERNITY

Possible Answers:

Family

Brotherhood

Motherhood

Fatherhood

Sisterhood

Correct answer:

Fatherhood

Explanation:

The Greek root "patr-" means relating to fathers or being a father, so it makes sense that "paternity" means fatherhood.

Example Question #13 : Synonyms: Using Roots To Identify Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

AUDIENCE

Possible Answers:

Musicians

Tasters

Listeners

Performers

Cooks

Correct answer:

Listeners

Explanation:

The "aud-" in "audience" derives from the same Latin roots as "audible" (able to be heard) and "audio" (recorded sound, often specifically the sound that often accompanies video)So, since "aud-" means having to do with hearing, it makes sense that an an “audience” is a group of people who are listening to and watching a show or reading a text-based work, making "listeners" the best answer choice. “Musicians” are people who play music and “performers” are people who perform in some sort of show or entertainment. So, an “audience” listens to the “musicians” or watches the “performers.”

Example Question #14 : Synonyms: Using Roots To Identify Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

FRACTURE

Possible Answers:

Describe

Include

Bemoan

Represent

Break

Correct answer:

Break

Explanation:

The "fract-" part of "fracture" stems from the same roots as the words "fraction" (a portion of a whole) and "frangible" (breakable), so it makes sense that "fracture," when used as a verb, means break something hard. The word is often used to describe breaking a bone. "Break" is thus the answer choice closest in meaning to "fracture." As for the other answer choices, "include" means consider as part of a group; “bemoan” means complain about; “describe” means use words to share information about the characteristics of something or someone; “represent” means show using a visual or textual medium or stand in for.

Example Question #15 : Synonyms: Using Roots To Identify Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

DUO

Possible Answers:

Pair

Triplets

Quartet

Trifecta

Community

Correct answer:

Pair

Explanation:

The prefix "du-" means relating to two of something; it is found in words like "duet" (song for two singers or musical piece for two performers), "dual" (having two of something)and "duel" (a fight between two people in which specific rules are followed, often arranged because one competitor has somehow deeply insulted the other). Thus, it makes sense that "duo" means a pair. “Triplets” are sets of three of the same thing or three babies born at the same time to the same mother; a “trifecta” is a group of three great things working together; a “quartet” is a team of four.

Example Question #16 : Synonyms: Using Roots To Identify Synonyms

Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

EXTRATERRESTRIAL

Possible Answers:

Devil

Human

Angel

Deity

Alien

Correct answer:

Alien

Explanation:

The prefix "extra-" means beyond or outside and the "-terre-" part of "extraterrestrial" comes from the root "terra," meaning earth, so it makes sense that an “extraterrestrial” is a living creature originating from beyond earth, or an alien. A "human" is a creature of the species homo sapiens, also known as a person, “deity” is another name for a god or goddess; an "angel" is a very virtuous person or a being believed to be a spiritual attendant to the Christian god pictured depicted as a person with a halo and feathery wings; a "devil" is a rascal, an evil person, or an evil spirit, often represented as being or wearing bright red with horns and a tail.

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