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

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

ATYPICAL

Possible Answers:

Uncommon

Gullible

Earsplitting

Roomy

Tightfisted

Correct answer:

Uncommon

Explanation:

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

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

COMMUNAL

Possible Answers:

Vulgar

Efficient

Tender

Shared

Remorseful

Correct answer:

Shared

Explanation:

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

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

ACROBAT

Possible Answers:

Omen

Academic

Engineer

Gymnast

Chef

Correct answer:

Gymnast

Explanation:

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

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

VOLUNTARY

Possible Answers:

Scarce

Invincible

Optional

Sore

Innocent

Correct answer:

Optional

Explanation:

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

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

ULTRASENSITIVE

Possible Answers:

Temporary

Fretful

Delicate

Swift

Vigorous

Correct answer:

Delicate

Explanation:

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

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

SUBPAR

Possible Answers:

Rare

Grand

Fake

Real

Poor

Correct answer:

Poor

Explanation:

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

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

AGONY

Possible Answers:

Pain

Integrity

Talent

Humility

Matrimony

Correct answer:

Pain

Explanation:

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

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

UNIVERSAL

Possible Answers:

Illegal

Regional

Worldwide

Inconclusive

Adamant

Correct answer:

Worldwide

Explanation:

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

Example Question #79 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

DYNAMIC

Possible Answers:

Wacky

Hellish

Forceful

Frail

Alluring

Correct answer:

Forceful

Explanation:

The prefix dyna- means force, power, energy. As in "dynamite" which is a sort of bomb that produces a powerful explosion. So, "dynamic" means forceful, energetic, powerful. Additionally, "alluring" means appealing, attractive; "wacky" means crazy, weird; "hellish" means resembling hell, awful, terrible; "frail" means weak, usually sick, weak, and old.

Example Question #80 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

INTERMISSION

Possible Answers:

Break

Duty

Harmony

Drama

Inquest

Correct answer:

Break

Explanation:

The prefix inter- means between. As in "international" which means including or existing between two or more nations. So, "intermission" means a break in between two parts of a performance. Additionally, "harmony" means peace, agreement; "duty" is something that has to be done, responsibility; an "inquest" is a formal inquiry into something that happened; a "drama" is an emotional event.

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