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 #1139 : Synonyms

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

ATYPICAL

Possible Answers:

Gullible

Roomy

Earsplitting

Tightfisted

Uncommon

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 #1140 : Synonyms

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

COMMUNAL

Possible Answers:

Remorseful

Efficient

Shared

Vulgar

Tender

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 #1141 : Synonyms

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

ACROBAT

Possible Answers:

Gymnast

Engineer

Academic

Omen

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 #71 : 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:

Optional

Scarce

Invincible

Innocent

Sore

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 #1143 : Synonyms

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

ULTRASENSITIVE

Possible Answers:

Temporary

Vigorous

Swift

Delicate

Fretful

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 #1144 : Synonyms

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

SUBPAR

Possible Answers:

Grand

Real

Poor

Rare

Fake

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 #1145 : Synonyms

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

AGONY

Possible Answers:

Pain

Humility

Talent

Matrimony

Integrity

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 #72 : 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:

Adamant

Regional

Inconclusive

Worldwide

Illegal

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 #51 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms

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

DYNAMIC

Possible Answers:

Frail

Forceful

Wacky

Hellish

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 #52 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms

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

INTERMISSION

Possible Answers:

Drama

Duty

Harmony

Break

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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