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 #41 : Synonyms: Using Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

REGULAR

Possible Answers:

Generous

Consistent

Boring

Religious

Stingy

Correct answer:

Consistent

Explanation:

When something is 'regular," it is said to follow the rule or pattern (The word comes from the Latin regula, meaning rule or measure.) When something is "regulated", it has laws and rules applied to it. "Regular" things do not change much. An "irregular" person does all sorts of crazy things, always unexpectedly. A "regular" person is consistent.

Example Question #2304 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

INVIGORATING

Possible Answers:

Difficult

Weakening

Dangerous

Structured

Energizing

Correct answer:

Energizing

Explanation:

The word "invigorating" really is made up of two parts. The first is the prefix "in-", which here has the obvious meaning of in or into. The second half of the word comes from roots meaning life or lively. Whenever someone or something is "vigorous", it is full of life. Thus, whenever we find something to be "invigorating", it puts life into us. This means that it energizes us and makes us feel alive. Thus, when someone goes skiing very quickly down a mountain slope, this experience can be very refreshing or invigorating.

Example Question #2305 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

SPECTACULAR

Possible Answers:

Important

Reflective

Remarkable

Interesting

Elegant

Correct answer:

Remarkable

Explanation:

The word "spectacular" comes from Latin roots that mean to look at. A "spectacle" is something that we watch because it is amazing. Also, we call glasses "spectacles" because we look through them. A "spectator" is someone who watches something. Therefore, when something is "spectacular," it is so amazing that it draws a lot of attention. Such a thing is not merely "interesting" or "important." It is "remarkable" and amazing. Hence, the best option is "remarkable."

Example Question #2306 : Isee Lower Level (Grades 5 6) Verbal Reasoning

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

INDUSTRIOUS

Possible Answers:

Manufactured

Alert

Deteriorating

Poor

Diligent

Correct answer:

Diligent

Explanation:

The word "industry" describes a particular kind of business. Traditionally, the word described manufacturing processes and businesses. Thus, the "automotive industry" physically made cars, and the "steel industry" took raw material an changed it into steel; however, the word has come to be applied to almost any kind of particular work. The adjective "industrious" describes someone who is hard-working. You can see how this is related to the various kinds of work to which "industry" applies. The only option that describes this sort of hard working person is "diligent." Someone who is "diligent" is devoted and hard-working for a particular task.

Example Question #42 : Synonyms: Using Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

GRATIFYING

Possible Answers:

Amazing

Forgiving

Interesting

Pleasing

Beautiful

Correct answer:

Pleasing

Explanation:

To understand this word, it is helpful to consider a word like "grateful." We are grateful for things that are pleasing to us. To be "grateful" is to be thankful for such pleasing things. The adjective "gratifying" means something akin to able to make someone grateful or thankful. Another way to put this is "pleasing," which is the best option among those provided here.

Example Question #43 : Synonyms: Using Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

TERRAIN

Possible Answers:

Awareness

Mountain

Battlefield

Taxation

Ground

Correct answer:

Ground

Explanation:

The word "terrain" is related to Latin roots meaning land or physical location. (For instance, think of the word "territory.") Now, the word "battlefield" might tempt you because we use the word "terrain" often when talking about warfare. Also, the word "mountain" is tempting, as it is a kind of terrain. However, the only word that simply means "land" is "ground". Think of when you say "the school's grounds." The word "ground" can refer in general to physical terrain. It is in this sense that it is an acceptable synonym.

Example Question #44 : Synonyms: Using Roots To Identify Synonyms

Choose the answer that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

PORTER

Possible Answers:

doorman

guard

driver

protector

waiter

Correct answer:

doorman

Explanation:

The prefix or root word "port-" means related to moving or transporting, so a “porter” is another name for a doorman.” For example, the person who collects your bags and holds the door for you at a hotel is considered a "porter." To provide further help, a “protector” is someone who defends someone else.

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