ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #1141 : Synonyms

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

ACROBAT

Possible Answers:

Gymnast

Omen

Academic

Engineer

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 #1142 : Synonyms

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

VOLUNTARY

Possible Answers:

Sore

Optional

Scarce

Invincible

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 #73 : 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:

Vigorous

Temporary

Delicate

Fretful

Swift

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 #74 : 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:

Grand

Rare

Poor

Real

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 #75 : 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

Talent

Integrity

Matrimony

Humility

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 #50 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms

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

UNIVERSAL

Possible Answers:

Adamant

Regional

Inconclusive

Illegal

Worldwide

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 #76 : 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:

Alluring

Hellish

Wacky

Frail

Forceful

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 #77 : 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

Harmony

Drama

Duty

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.

Example Question #81 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

NONSENSE

Possible Answers:

Disbelief

Eccentricity

Happiness

Foolishness

Justice

Correct answer:

Foolishness

Explanation:

The prefix non- means not. So, "nonsense" means something that does not make sense, silliness, foolishness, absurdity. Additionally, "justice" is fair treatment, particularly the fair and equal treatment and punishment under the law; "disbelief" is the lack of belief; "eccentricity" means the quality of being unusual and weird.

Example Question #82 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

ALTITUDE

Possible Answers:

Length

Width

Breadth

Depth

Height

Correct answer:

Height

Explanation:

The prefix alt- means high, height. As in, "exalt" which means praise highly. So, "altitude" means height. Additionally, "breadth" is another word for "width" (how wide something is).

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