ISEE Lower Level Verbal : Synonyms

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

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Example Questions

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

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

APPREHEND

Possible Answers:

Punish

Catch

Condemn

Insist

Correct answer:

Catch

Explanation:

The word "apprehend" comes from the Latin for to lay ahold of. When we "com-prehend" something, we understand it thoroughly—we grasp it thoroughly. The word "apprehend" is often used when we talk about capturing a criminal. The police "apprehend" a wrongdoer, meaning that they capture, seize, or catch him or her. Therefore, the best answer among those provided is "catch."

Example Question #5 : Synonyms: Using Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

ANNIHILATE

Possible Answers:

Build

Obliterate

Batter

Attack

Bomb

Correct answer:

Obliterate

Explanation:

The word "annihilate" literally means "to make into nothing." The "-nihil-" portion of the word comes from the Latin for "nothing." "Annihilation" is complete destruction, and "to annihilate" is to bring about such complete destruction. Although bombing, battering, and attacking might be means to bringing it about, only the word "obliterate" is a good synonym for complete destruction. The word "obliterate" means "to utterly destroy" and literally means "to erase like letters from a paper." To "obliterate" a city is to "wipe it out from existence."

Example Question #115 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

ILLUMINATE

Possible Answers:

Shade

Praise

Gladden

Brighten

Sully

Correct answer:

Brighten

Explanation:

The word "illuminate" has the base "-lumen- / -lumin" in it. This comes from the Latin for "light." If you look at your lightbulbs, you will see that they are not only measured in watts but also in "lumens." This measurement—"lumens"—indicates the amount of light that the bulb produces. During the holiday season, people might speak of "exterior illumination" when they decorate their houses outside. This describes the "outside lights" that they put up on the house and the bushes and/or trees around their houses. To "illuminate" something is to shine light on it. Therefore, the best option for a synonym is "brighten."

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

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

DOMESTIC

Possible Answers:

Durable

Round

Domelike

Household

Circular

Correct answer:

Household

Explanation:

"Domestic" means pertaining to the home. The best choice is "household" because it has the same definition as domestic when used as an adjective, as in the phrase "household chores." The "dom-" in "domestic" comes from the Latin word for house.

Example Question #1181 : Synonyms

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

CONSPICUOUS

Possible Answers:

Excellent

Visible

Famous

Renowned

Forgotten

Correct answer:

Visible

Explanation:

The word "conspicuous" has a root that you might not see at first. The "-spic-" is related to the "spec-" that we find in "spectator" and "spectacle." A "spectator" is someone who watches an event (perhaps a sports game). A "spectacle" is something very visible—a massive event, so large that it is very visible. Likewise, "spectacles" are glasses that someone wears—things helping you to see. When something is "conspicuous," it is not at all hidden. The "con-" prefix does not mean with or among like it does in other words. Here, it merely means very. Something "conspicuous" is very visible.  Among our options, however, "visible" is the only appropriate answer.  This is a fine synonym, given the other answers. 

Note that while something "conspicuous" could become famous (since it is so easily seen), the word "conspicuous" does not itself designate such fame. It merely deals with being able to be seen.

Example Question #1182 : Synonyms

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

ANALYZE

Possible Answers:

Examine

Discuss

Synthesize

Invigorate

Reflect

Correct answer:

Examine

Explanation:

The word "analysis" comes from Greek roots meaning to break apart. The analysis of a sentence provides an overview of all its parts—it breaks it apart and shows the parts for what they are. The activity of producing such an "analysis" is called "analyzing." This is the opposite of "synthesizing," which is the activity of putting together multiple things into a single whole. We "synthesize" material when we bring it together to make an argument and, likewise, "synthesize" chemicals when we create them out of their parts. An "examination" is a thorough review of the details of something, somewhat like an analysis. Therefore, among the options provided, "examine" is the best synonym for "analyze." Note, that while you might discuss something while analyzing it, this is not necessary. (You can always analyze something by yourself, without discussion.)

Example Question #1181 : Synonyms

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

SEVER

Possible Answers:

Increase

Sprint

Fix

Cut

Aid

Correct answer:

Cut

Explanation:

The prefix "sev-" or "sec-" often relates to cutting, so it makes sense that the word “sever” means to cut one thing off of another completely. The word “sprint” means to run quickly; the word “fix” means to mend or repair something; and the word “aid” means help.

Example Question #1184 : Synonyms

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

SANCTUARY

Possible Answers:

Shelter

Wilderness

Adventure

School

Prison

Correct answer:

Shelter

Explanation:

The word "sanctuary" includes the root "sanct-," which is from the Greek for "holy." "Sanctuary" originally referred to a religious place of worship where people could not be arrested for certain crimes. Since then, the word's meaning has shifted to be more general, and today it is used to mean a place that offers comfort or shelter, sometimes associated with a particular religious group, so "shelter" is the correct answer.

Example Question #1182 : Synonyms

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

ABDUCT

Possible Answers:

Demonstrate

Accord

Kidnap

Praise

Exceed

Correct answer:

Kidnap

Explanation:

The prefix "ab-" can mean away, so it makes sense that "abduct" means kidnap, as kidnapping someone can be thought of carrying them away without their permission. As for the other answer choices, “praise” means to say something nice about someone; “demonstrate” means show or, more specifically, show by doing; “exceed” means go beyond or do more than is necessary; and “accord” means agree or not argue.

Example Question #1183 : Synonyms

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

PATERNITY

Possible Answers:

Sisterhood

Family

Motherhood

Fatherhood

Brotherhood

Correct answer:

Fatherhood

Explanation:

The Greek root "patr-" means relating to fathers or being a father, so it makes sense that "paternity" means fatherhood.

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