ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, and Roots to Identify Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #91 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the word that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

SPECTACLE

Possible Answers:

Flaw

Vow

Display

Tome

Hiatus

Correct answer:

Display

Explanation:

The prefix spec- means look. As in, "spectator" which means watcher of a performance or "spectacles" which are glasses. So, a "spectacle" is a display, a visually impressive performance, something worth seeing. Additionally, a "hiatus" is a break; a "vow" is a promise; a "flaw" is a weakness; a "tome" is a long and boring book.

Example Question #92 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the word that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

BENEFIT

Possible Answers:

Advantage

Patriotism

Caution

Jeopardy

Abhorrence

Correct answer:

Advantage

Explanation:

The prefix bene- means good. As in, "benevolent" which means good-natured. So, "benefit" means something positive gained from something, an advantage. Additionally, "abhorrence" is hatred; "caution" is the quality of being overly careful; "patriotism" is the love of one's country; "jeopardy" is danger, trouble

Example Question #93 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the word that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

ADDRESS

Possible Answers:

Intention

Task

Organization

Contribution

Speech

Correct answer:

Speech

Explanation:

The prefix ad- means to, toward. So, to "address" means to speak towards someone, to speak directly to someone. An "address" is a speech, a public statement. Additionally, a "task" is a job, a duty that needs to be done; a "contribution" is something added to help; an "organization" is a group working together for some purpose; an "intention" is something meant to be done, a plan, a mission

Example Question #94 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the word that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

UNDERSIZED

Possible Answers:

Erroneous

Giant

Hardy

Costly

Small

Correct answer:

Small

Explanation:

The prefix under- means below, beneath. As in "underwater" or "underwear." So, "undersized" means below the right size, below normal size. This is closest in meaning to "small." Additionally, "hardy" means tough; "giant" means very big; "erroneous" means incorrect; "costly" means expensive, coming with great loss (of money).

Example Question #95 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the word that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

MISINFORM

Possible Answers:

Legislate

Register

Exceed

Deceive

Secede

Correct answer:

Deceive

Explanation:

The prefix mis- means badly. So, to "misinform" is to give bad information, to lie to, to deceive. Additionally, "secede" means leave a group, disband from a union; "exceed" means to go beyond; "register" means sign up for; "legislate" means make laws.

Example Question #96 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the word that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

DEPART

Possible Answers:

Leave

Return

Host

Excel

Visit

Correct answer:

Leave

Explanation:

The prefix de- means away, from. As in, "descend" which means to go down and away from. So, "depart" means go away, leave. Additionally, "return" means come back; "host" means have people in one's home; "visit" means go to another place and then come back; "excel" means to do very well at.

Example Question #97 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the word that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

POSTPONE

Possible Answers:

Polish

Affirm

Suspend

Borrow

Possess

Correct answer:

Suspend

Explanation:

The prefix post- means after. As in, "posthumous" which means after death. So, to "postpone" means to put off something to do after. This is closest in meaning to "suspend" which means to pause, to wait to do something. Additionally, "possess" means have, own; "borrow" means take something with the intention to give it back; "polish" means clean, make shiny; "affirm" means state is accurate, confirm is true.

Example Question #98 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the word that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

PRESUMPTUOUS

Possible Answers:

Sordid

Arrogant

Hideous

Dynamic

Secretive

Correct answer:

Arrogant

Explanation:

The prefix pre- means before. As in, "prevent" which means stop something before it happens. So, "presumptuous" means someone who acts before it is appropriate, bold, assertive and audacious, brash. The closest answer to this is "arrogant." Additionally, "dynamic" means forceful, energetic; "sordid" means involving immoral behavior, dirty, filthy; "secretive" means sneaky, trying to keep something secret; "hideous" means very ugly, disgusting and unattractive.

Example Question #99 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the word that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

AMBLE

Possible Answers:

Stroll

Jog

Sprint

Leap

Swim

Correct answer:

Stroll

Explanation:

The prefix ambul- means walk. So, to "amble" means to walk slowly and casually. This has the same meaning as "stroll." Additionally, "sprint" means run fast; "leap" means jump high; "jog" means run slowly

Example Question #100 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: Select the word that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.

REVISE

Possible Answers:

Assume

Amend

Accompany

Abstain

Abhor

Correct answer:

Amend

Explanation:

The prefix re- means again, back. As in, "remember" which means to think back on, to think about the past. So, "revise" means to edit, to go back over something and make changes. This has the same meaning as "amend." The word "amend" can be found in "amendments" which are changes made to the Constitution. Additionally, "accompany" means go with; "abhor" means hate; "abstain" means refuse to take part in; "assume" means to think is true without knowing for a fact.

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