ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Prefixes from Latin
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Example Questions
Example Question #403 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SUBSIDE
Slacken
Unearth
Defeat
Bury
Conquer
Slacken
Whenever something subsides, it lessens in its strength or force. The prefix "sub-" means "under." The "-side" portion of the word comes from the Latin root for "to sit." This same root is found in words like "sedentary" and "sedate." Something that "subsides" starts to "sit under"—not in a literal sense, of course! It just means that the thing in question lessens. The only option among those provided that expresses the idea of lessening is "slacken." When a rope slackens, it becomes less tight. The general idea of slackening is that of becoming less or looser. Hence, this is an acceptable synonym for "subside," at least among the options provided.
Example Question #404 : Isee Middle Level (Grades 7 8) Verbal Reasoning
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EXCEED
Fine
Increment
Placate
Compete
Surpass
Surpass
Whenever something is "excessive," it is too much. Thus, whenever someone is fined for "excessive speed," this means that the person was driving far too quickly. Thus, in general, to "exceed" means to go over or to be bigger. Whenever one thing surpasses another, it "goes over" it (or becomes "more" than it). The prefix "sur-" means over. Thus, the word really could mean "to pass over"!
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