ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Prefixes from Latin
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for ISEE Middle Level Verbal
All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #178 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
SUBSIDE
Defeat
Slacken
Conquer
Unearth
Bury
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 #179 : Synonyms
Select the answer choice that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
EXCEED
Increment
Fine
Surpass
Placate
Compete
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"!
All ISEE Middle Level Verbal Resources
