All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #84 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
MALODOROUS
Firm
Gross
Smelly
Unattractive
Loud
Smelly
In the word "malodorous" there are two relevant Latin roots. The first mal- means bad, as in "malevolent," which means bad natured, evil, wicked. The second is -odor- which means related to smell or scent. So, "malodorous" means smelly, unpleasantly smelling, disgusting, stinky, fetid.
Example Question #85 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
INVINCIBLE
Impassive
Unbeatable
Important
Interesting
Unlikely
Unbeatable
The Latin root -vinc- means conquer, win, as in "victory." So, "invincible" means unable to be conquered, indestructible, unbeatable. Additionally, "impassive" means not showing or feeling emotions.
Example Question #81 : Synonyms: Roots From Latin
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ENUMERATE
List
Allow
Repel
Compel
Attract
List
The Latin root -numer- means number, as in "numerous" which means a large number of something. So, to "enumerate" means to make a numbered list of something. Additionally, "repel" means force back, fight off; "compel" means force to do something.
Example Question #561 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DERIDE
Kill
Detain
Mock
Impair
Discuss
Mock
The word "deride" comes from the Latin word for to laugh. Whenever we "ridicule" someone, we mock that person or "laugh at them." In a way, you can think of the expression "being a laughing stock." This means that someone is being ridiculed or derided. When we "deride" someone, we mock that person. Mockery is a mean way of "making fun of" someone. (Do you see that the word "deride" has a form similar to "ridicule"? Both words come from the Latin "ridere," meaning to laugh.)
Example Question #88 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
LUMINOUS
Surprising
Dim
Fading
Increasing
Brilliant
Brilliant
The word "luminous" is related to the word "illuminate." They both come from Latin roots meaning light. Whenever we "illuminate" a room, we add light to it. Something that is "luminous" is shining or bright. The word "brilliant" is often used to mean very intelligent; however, this comes from the idea that such a person has a "very bright or shining mind." It is a bit metaphorical. The word "brilliant" means to shine, and this is a good synonym for "luminous."
Example Question #89 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
DOCILE
Intelligent
Submissive
Quiet
Forgetful
Regular
Submissive
The word "docile" comes from Latin roots meaning to teach. The words "doctor," "indoctrinate," "doctrine," and "document" all come from the same root. A "doctor" is someone who has been taught very thoroughly, and a "doctrine" is a teaching. Whenever a person is described as being "docile," he or she is teachable. Hence, the best option is "submissive." Someone who is "submissive" is someone who lets himself or herself be taught (or, at least, led) by someone else.
Example Question #90 : Synonyms: Roots
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ILLITERATE
Learning
Remote
Irrational
Ignorant
Plain
Ignorant
The word "illiterate" comes from the Latin word for letters. Whenever we talk about the "literal" meaning of something, we want to know "what the letters mean"—i.e. what it means without any additional interpretation. Whenever someone is "illiterate," he or she cannot read or communicate via written language. Thus, an illiterate person is generally an uneducated person. Thus, the word "ignorant" is sometimes a fine synonym for "illiterate."
Example Question #561 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
ALIENATE
Isolate
Condemn
Forgive
Invade
Arrive
Isolate
The words "alien" and "alienate" come from Latin roots meaning other. Whenever something is "alien," it is foreign to us—it is something "other" in the sense of being different. The verb form "alienate" describes the process of making something appear to be foreign or other. Thus, the only option that is adequate for this question is "isolate." Whenever we "alienate" people, we isolate them from each other.
Example Question #562 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
IMITATION
Mockery
Display
Dull
Simulation
Occupation
Simulation
Whenever we "imitate" something else, we try to copy that thing. The word "imitate" comes from roots meaning image. Think of what we mean when we call a picture an "image." It is a kind of copy of something else. This is the general idea of being an "imitation." Another example that might be familiar to you is "imitation vanilla." Because vanilla can be expensive, some companies make a kind of vanilla by artificial processes. Thus, they make a kind of replica of vanilla or they attempt to simulate vanilla flavoring. The best option provided for this question is "simulation," which expresses this general idea of being a copy or an imitation.
Example Question #563 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
VILIFY
Concur
Attack
Defame
Frighten
Infuriate
Defame
The word "vilify" is made up of two stems with which you should be familiar. The first portion is related to "vile." Whenever something is "vile," it is very unpleasant. Sometimes, we use the word to describe something that is very disgusting. The suffix "-fy" means to do or to make. Thus, to "vilify" someone is to make that person appear to be disgusting or unpleasant. In general, the word is used to describe how we can ruin someone's appearance in public by saying bad things about them. Thus, the word "defame" is excellent, for it means to ruin someone's reputation.
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