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 #101 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

MISTAKE

Possible Answers:

Integrity

Gossip

Reputation

Intimacy

Error

Correct answer:

Error

Explanation:

The prefix mis- means badly. As in, "misinform" which means to give bad information to. So, a "mistake" is something done badly, something done wrong, an error. Additionally, your "reputation" is what people think of you; "integrity" is the quality of being honest and sticking to one's principles; "intimacy" is togetherness, closeness with other people; "gossip" is rumor, information passed informally through conversation.

Example Question #102 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

EXTRACT

Possible Answers:

Withdraw

Devise

Insert

Scheme

Terrorize

Correct answer:

Withdraw

Explanation:

The prefix ex- means outside of. As in, "external" which means outside of something. So, to "extract" means to get something out of something else or to withdraw. Additionally, "insert" means put into; "devise" means come up with (a plan); "scheme" means plot, plan something tricky or sneaky; "terrorize" means consistently cause to experience fear

Example Question #103 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

TRIBUNAL

Possible Answers:

Liability

Committee

Occasion

Leverage

Empathy

Correct answer:

Committee

Explanation:

The prefix tri- means three. As in, "triplets" which are three children born to the same mother at the same time. Solving this problem is a little tricky, however. A "tribunal" is a committee  a group of people who are meeting up to resolve some problem. The word comes from Roman origins where committees of three people would commonly rule on legal decisions and other matters. So, if you need to remember "tribunal" think of a committee of three ancient Roman men. Additionally, "empathy" is the ability to feel the emotions of others; an "occasion" is a particular time or event; "leverage" is grip, the hold one has on something; "liability" is the state of being held responsible, the condition of being legally responsible if something bad happens.

Example Question #104 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

EXOTIC

Possible Answers:

Scientific

Wild

Foreign

New

Zoological

Correct answer:

Foreign

Explanation:

The word "exotic" means foreign or from outside of this area. The idea of being "outside" can be seen in the prefix "ex-". We use this in "exit," meaning the process of going out of some area. This prefix in general means out or out of. Although we tend to think of exotic animal, the word can be used for anything that foreign—in the sense of "not being from here."

Example Question #105 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

IRRATIONAL

Possible Answers:

Angry

Harsh

Unacademic

Stupid

Unreasonable

Correct answer:

Unreasonable

Explanation:

For this question, some simple attention to the parts of the word "irrational" will help you get quickly to the correct answer. The prefix "ir-" is a form of the prefix "i-", which means "not." Think of the word "incorrect." In this word, "in-" means "not"—as in "not correct." Therefore, someone who is "irrational" is not rational. Now, "rational" means reasonable or able to use one's mind clearly. An irrational person does not think clearly. We tend to think of angry people as being irrational, but really anyone who is illogical is irrational. The simple word "unreasonable" is an acceptable synonym for "irrational"—indeed, it is almost an exact copy of the parts of the word. The prefix "un-" is used to mean "not," so "unreasonable" means "not reasonable"—quite close to "ir + rational"!

Example Question #106 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

INTERIOR

Possible Answers:

Complete

Inside

Pensive

Outgoing

Amplified

Correct answer:

Inside

Explanation:

The prefix "in-" here means inside, so the word “interior” means having to do with or located inside of something, making "inside" the correct answer.

Example Question #1 : Synonyms: Using Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

PORTER

Possible Answers:

waiter

guard

driver

doorman

protector

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.

Example Question #2 : Synonyms: Using Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

CONJUNCTION

Possible Answers:

Connection 

Novelty 

Mar 

Enamor 

Cancellation 

Correct answer:

Connection 

Explanation:

A “conjunction” is something that joins words together, a connection. The root "junct" means joining, as in “junction.” To provide further help, “enamor” means love; “mar” means ruin; “novelty” means newness or originality.

Example Question #107 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Select the word that has most nearly the same meaning as the word in capital letters.

ALLEGIANCE

Possible Answers:

Honesty

Burden

Dedication

Inquisitiveness

Elasticity

Correct answer:

Dedication

Explanation:

"Allegiance," meaning devotion or loyalty to a person, group, or cause, comes from the same root as the words "ally" and "allied." An "ally" is a person on your side of an argument or war. "Devotion" and "loyalty" also describe dedication.

Example Question #4 : Synonyms: Using Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

ADMIRE

Possible Answers:

Derogate

Love

Enjoy

Respect

Correct answer:

Respect

Explanation:

The word "admire" is perhaps so common that you will at first trick yourself into choosing the wrong answer. The word comes from Latin roots that are related to the word "miracle" and "miraculous." Miracles and miraculous things are things that arouse wonder, for they are unexpected and marvelous. When we "admire" someone, we find that person to be wonderful or out of the ordinary. This sense of marvel and wonder leads us to have respect for the person. Therefore, while we can perhaps say that admiration is more than mere respect, still among the answers provided, this is the best option for a synonym.

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