ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #55 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms

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

UNREMARKABLE

Possible Answers:

Petite

Heavy

Boring

Shy

Hilarious

Correct answer:

Boring

Explanation:

The prefix un- means not. As in, "unlikely" which means not likely. So, "unremarkable" means not remarkable, not interesting. This is closest in meaning to "boring." If it is helpful, "remarkable" means interesting, amazing, worthy of being remarked about. Additionally, "hilarious" means very funny; "petite" means little, small; "shy" means not wanting to talk to others.

Example Question #56 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms

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

AMBIGUOUS

Possible Answers:

Enormous

Uncertain

Lame

Outlawed

Sincere

Correct answer:

Uncertain

Explanation:

The prefix ambi- means both. As in, "ambidextrous" which means equally capable of using both one's left and right hands. "Ambiguous" means uncertain, vague, not clear. It helps to think of it like this - "ambiguous" = believing both arguments or conclusions could be true. Additionally, "outlawed" means banned, made illegal; "lame" means boring, uncool; "sincere" means truthful, honest; "enormous" means very large.

Example Question #52 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms

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

DIVINE

Possible Answers:

Massive

Goofy

Permissible

Heavenly

Poised

Correct answer:

Heavenly

Explanation:

The prefixes dei- and div- mean God. As in, a "deity" which means a God. So, "divine" means possessing qualities attributed to God, heavenly. Additionally, "poised" means calm and under control, particularly when faced with stress or pressure; "massive" means very large; "goofy" means silly, quirky, weird; "permissible" means able to be permitted, allowed.

Example Question #58 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms

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

DYNASTY

Possible Answers:

Heroism

Lineage

Keepsake

Ancestor

Glee

Correct answer:

Lineage

Explanation:

The prefix dyna- means power, force, energy. As in "dynamic" which means forceful, energetic, full of power. So, a "dynasty" is a line of rulers who inherit their position of power. This is closest in meaning to a "lineage" which means a line of succession. The British royal family is a "dynasty." Additionally, your "ancestors" are people who came before you in your family line; "glee" is delight, great joy; "heroism" is courage, bravery, the act of being a hero; a "keepsake" is a small item kept to remember someone else.

Example Question #53 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms

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

ALTERNATE

Possible Answers:

Contain

Vanish

Rotate

Precede

Attend

Correct answer:

Rotate

Explanation:

The prefix alter- means other, change. So, to "alternate" is to change from one thing to another. This is closest in meaning to "rotate." Additionally, "contain" means hold inside; "attend" means go to, appear at; "vanish" means disappear, to become no longer visible; "precede" means coming before.

Example Question #54 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms

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

INCAPABLE

Possible Answers:

Innocent

Incoherent

Impossible

Unfortunate

Unable

Correct answer:

Unable

Explanation:

The prefixes in-, im-, and un- all mean not. So, "incapable" means not capable, not able, unable to do something. Additionally, "unfortunate" means not fortunate, not lucky; "impossible" means not possible; "incoherent" means not coherent, not able to be easily understood; "innocent" means not guilty.

Example Question #1151 : Synonyms

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

DISPERSE

Possible Answers:

Tumble

Discover

Spread

Undress

Instruct

Correct answer:

Spread

Explanation:

The prefix dis- can mean away or not. So, to "disperse" means to spread out, to move away from the starting point in many directions. Additionally, "undress" means take off clothes; "discover" means find; "instruct" means teach or tell what to do; "tumble" means fall over.

Example Question #62 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms

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

DIALOGUE

Possible Answers:

Ideology

Conversation

Ambition

Convention

Peril

Correct answer:

Conversation

Explanation:

The prefix dia- means through, across, between. As in, "diameter" which is a straight line that passes through a circle. So, a "dialogue" is a conversation between two or more people. Additionally, "peril" is danger; "ambition" is a strong desire to achieve something; an "ideology" is a belief system, a system of ideas and ideals; "convention" is the way things are usually done or an agreement

Example Question #63 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms

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

SPECTACLE

Possible Answers:

Display

Vow

Hiatus

Flaw

Tome

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 #64 : Synonyms: Using Prefixes To Identify Synonyms

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

BENEFIT

Possible Answers:

Abhorrence

Jeopardy

Caution

Advantage

Patriotism

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

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