ISEE Middle Level Verbal : Synonyms: Prefixes from Latin

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

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Example Questions

Example Question #31 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

IMMORTAL

Possible Answers:

peaceful

deathless

villainous

unjust

Correct answer:

deathless

Explanation:

Read the word very carefully: "immortal." Notice that it is made up of two parts: "im" + "mortal." The word "mortal" means able to die or something that leads to death. The prefix "im-" is the "privitive" use of "i-," meaning not. The extra "m" is added because of the "m" at the beginning of "mortal." Therefore, the word "im-mortal" means not able to die. Among the options, "deathless" is the best synonym. Do not confuse "immortal" with "immoral," which means lacking morality or wicked.

Example Question #32 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

A synonym of "unhindered" is __________.

Possible Answers:

competent

unimpeded

graceful

stymied

decorative

Correct answer:

unimpeded

Explanation:

"Unhindered" is an adjective that means "not hindered or obstructed," so we need to pick out an adjective that means something like "unobstructed." So, "stymied" cannot be the correct answer, because "stymied" is an adjective that means "prevented or having the progress of (something) hindered," making the word an antonym, not a synonym, of "unhindered." "Unimpeded," however, means "not obstructed or hindered," and because "unimpeded" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "unhindered," "unimpeded" is the correct answer.

Example Question #33 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

UNWELCOME

Possible Answers:

Angry

Unwanted

Invited

Receptive

Correct answer:

Unwanted

Explanation:

If someone is "unwelcome," they are not wanted or not welcome. You can figure this out, because "un-" means not, so "unwelcome" means not welcome. So, "unwanted," which means not wanted, is the correct answer, because it is closest in meaning to "unwelcome."

Example Question #34 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

DETESTABLE

Possible Answers:

Attractive

Pleasant

Futile

Hateful

Correct answer:

Hateful

Explanation:

The root of this word, "detest," is a verb that means hate or fiercely dislike. Similarly, something that is "detestable" is deserving of deep hatred. Therefore, "hateful" is the correct answer choice. Even if you weren't sure, you could immediately eliminate "pleasant" and "attractive" because these adjectives have very positive connotations. The only remaining choice, "futile," refers to efforts that are pointless, not to objects or ideas that provoke hatred.

Example Question #35 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

Synonyms: Choose the word or phrase that most closely matches the word in capital letters.

UNANIMOUS

Possible Answers:

Impotent 

Underwhelming

Undisputed

Unbecoming 

Inquiry 

Correct answer:

Undisputed

Explanation:

The prefix un- means either one or not. In this instance “unanimous” means sharing one opinion. This is closest in meaning to “undisputed” which means not disputed, not argued over. To provide further help, “impotent” means powerless; “inquiry” means formal investigation; “unbecoming” means not attractive; “underwhelming” means disappointing.

Example Question #33 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

CONJUGAL

Possible Answers:

Fraternal

Matriarchal

Regal

Matrimonial

Patriarchal

Correct answer:

Matrimonial

Explanation:

The prefix "con-" refers to joining or being joined, and “conjugal” is used to refer to things associated with marriage. As such, it is identical in meaning to “matrimonial.” To provide further help, “regal" means associated with or befitting royalty; “fraternal” means having to do with brotherhood; “matriarchal” is having to do with a society dominated by women, and “patriarchal” means having to do with a society dominated by men. Observe the differences between the prefixes "mat-," "frat-," and "pat-."

Example Question #36 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

A synonym of "beguile" is . . .

Possible Answers:

insult

pretend

play

charm

sneak

Correct answer:

charm

Explanation:

One might assume that "sneak" is the correct answer because "guile" means "sly or cunning intelligence" and "beguile" contains the word "guile." However, "beguile" means "charm or enchant someone, sometimes in a deceptive way" or "trick someone into doing something." So, between "charm" and "sneak," "charm" is actually the closer synonym of "beguile," so it is the correct answer.

Example Question #37 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

BELITTLE

Possible Answers:

Criticize

Flatter

Praise

Shrink

Correct answer:

Criticize

Explanation:

"Belittle" means make a person seem or feel unimportant, so "criticize," which means point out the flaws in something or someone, is the best match. "Flatter" and "praise" are both opposites of "belittle."

Example Question #38 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

BEHOOVE

Possible Answers:

Dismantle

Create

Jar

Suit

Befowl

Correct answer:

Suit

Explanation:

"Behoove" means be necessary, fitting, or proper, so "suit," which when used as a verb means be suitable for, is the best match.

Example Question #39 : Using Prefixes, Suffixes, And Roots To Identify Synonyms

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

CONTRADICT

Possible Answers:

Deny

Abridge 

Support 

Augment

Probe 

Correct answer:

Deny

Explanation:

To "contradict" means to argue against someone or to provide evidence to the contrary. So, "deny" is the correct answer. "Contradict" is an antonym of "support." To help you, "abridge" means shorten a written work, "augment" means add to or supplement, and when used as a verb, "probe" means investigate or seek the truth.

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